THE GREAT TURNING

for David C. Korten

     As ancient Nero fiddled while Rome burned,
     I’ve diddled at my pad and verses turned
     Instead of aiding our emergency:
     The turn from Empire to Community.

     While Wall Street banks and corporations spoil
     Our fragile Earth accruing wealth and oil,
     Heedless of generations yet to come,
     So long as they can multiply the sum,

     It falls to those of us who realize
     We need to chart another way that’s wise,
     A way, for eons on, that can sustain
     Earth’s viability, a way that’s sane.

         The revolution that the wise must raise
         Is one the bounteous Universe will praise.

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