“I’ve always wanted to sail to the South Seas, but I can’t afford it.” What these men can’t afford is not to go. They are enmeshed in the cancerous discipline of “security.” And in the worship of security we fling our lives beneath the wheels of routine – and before we know it our lives are gone.

What does a man need – really need? A few pounds of food each day, heat and shelter, six feet to lie down in – and some form of working activity that will yield a sense of accomplishment. That’s all – in the material sense, and we know it. But we are brainwashed by our economic system until we end up in a tomb beneath a pyramid of time payments, mortgages, preposterous gadgetry, playthings that divert our attention for the sheer idiocy of the charade.

The years thunder by. The dreams of youth grow dim where they lie caked in dust on the shelves of patience. Before we know it, the tomb is sealed.

Where, then, lies the answer? In choice. Which shall it be: bankruptcy of purse or bankruptcy of life?
found on the web

Though man has walked upon the moon
(And probably on Mars quite soon)
About this world he has no care
He poisons land and sea and air.

Where once the awesome forest stood
We see bare land which grows no food
How many people, do you think
Have water which is safe to drink ?

The earth is plundered for its store;
Insatiable, we cry for more.
Yet landfill mountains grow apace
We’re swiftly running out of space

While monstrous concrete marches on
How many more green field have gone ?
Yet in our cities there is still
Space for more dwellings – given the will

Polluted air which threatens life,
Asthma and breathing problems rife.
Where once we walked we have a car;
We ride, although it’s not too far.

The adverts in our living room
Still motivate us to consume.
“I’m tired of yellow, I want blue”
Discard the old, bring in the new.

The earth IS bountiful, it’s true.
But now it’s up to me and you
To think of children yet to wake
And ‘tread more lightly’ for their sake.

@ anti-copyright: Veronica-Mae Soar Jan 2000

(Under “Creative Commons” you may copy this anywhere it might be useful, provided I get a credit, it is copied accurately and that it is copied for free.
A copy of where it appeared would be appreciated)
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