Human Arrogance
We thought ourselves the lords of all creation: smart, self-conscious, with our opposable thumbs, our verbal language, and standing upright, walking on two legs.
the only ones
like us – we perceive as
the only ones
It might have been all right if we’d stayed close enough to the natural world, continuing to be custodian of the other living things, understanding that we need them, and preserving the balance which we all need. Instead, more and more, we exploited or ignored. We got away with it (so it seemed). We became complacent.
sleepy afternoon –
droning tractor breaks the peace
then merges with it
Now, if those who see clearly speak loud, in numbers, could it be enough? Or much too late? We can’t know – even if we think we know too well how it will go … how we’ll all go.
voices crying
in the (lack of)
wilderness
But speak out we must. Silence will accomplish nothing.
into the unknown
going out with a clamour –
or last-minute save?
For Weekly Scribblings #77 at Poets and Storytellers United, I invite people to be inspired by Rob Kistner's line, 'Human arrogance boils over' and his poem about the need to speak up for our environment. This poem.
Having written this, I came across this new article by Caitlin Johnstone which addresses similar issues. Well worth reading in full, but if you don't have time, here is one especially pertinent bit re the social media consequences of speaking out:
We certainly don’t want to become heartless unfeeling creatures who dismiss the opinions of the crowd like they’re unimportant insects, but also we do need to find a way to continue speaking without having our light dimmed by those who are irresponsible with their inner misery. Near as I can tell, our best option is to become so deeply awake that we can continue to make art and speak out against the powerful even amid the vitriol and vituperation which comes the way of anyone who’s brave enough to shine bright. To become so conscious of our inner dynamics that abuse from strangers doesn’t silence us.