JUSTICE AND REVERENCE

for Barry Lopez

At last we may now realize
We’re too soon smart and too late wise,
That so much knowledge serves to make
Our neighbors fear and planet quake.

All species had adapted well
To fitting niches where they dwell,
Till we emerged with so much power
To oust them from cave, branch and bower,

And we became a predator
For all of nature to deplore,
Disruptor of the ecosphere
And bane of kindred species here.

If wisdom now begins to dawn,
Perhaps catastrophe won’t yawn.

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