by Cliff Beck.
When the Hittites took Babylon I was not there
nor did I fight in Iraq for Bush and Blair.
I refused the cross, was never on crusade
and bought no penance, yet still paid all my dues.
I wasn’t seen when the great witch hunts were made
and was never one to name, shame and accuse.
I didn’t demonstrate nor join the Red Brigade
and served no flag, keeping independent views.
I had no facebook page, avoided digital rage,
felt no need to twitter, but privately recused.
Empires rise, silver bullets are forged,
causes fail, truths are ignored
as generations come and go
each chanting a new credo
sincerely, hearts aflame,
unaware the world remains the same.
I read widely of our history
but failed to solve the mystery.
I planted many tree clad hills
but most were shorn for greedy mills.
I wandered far and wide
to see the other side.
I walked through glass clad halls,
heard many clarion calls
summoning the faithful
to do their duty and share the booty.
I met with countless men in black
learning that they hunt in packs
and expropriate the best intentions
to support their toxic interventions.
But then I stood to one side,
luggage left on the carousel
and with the zeitgeist defied
said farewell, went into my shell.
In quiet anonymity
I found a benign liberty
where the world overlooked me.
I sowed a few seeds,
tended them with care
and removed the weeds.
I lobbed pebbles into ponds
and wondered if the ripples
travelled into the beyond.
Now I live in an old house on a dusty street
Watching as the rodents scurry back and forth;
An old man, waiting for rain.