FUTURE CONSCIOUSNESS

for Tom Lombardo

     If you’d be wise, then you would realize
     What is revealed through future consciousness
     With greater certainty than mere surmise:
     Your surest avenue to true success.

     To think ahead, anticipating ways
     That this or that decision might play out,
     Developing the judgment to appraise
     Alternatives, will leave you with less doubt

     And give you confidence to raise your voice
     To advocate for plans and policies
     By arguing the wisdom of your choice
    Till each opponent finally agrees.

          Such consciousness is thinking’s highest end
          On which our happy future will depend.

*