WHENCE?

     What kind of world are we now rushing toward
     with all our science and technology—
     one to be applauded or deplored,
     a world of prudence or depravity?

     Given all the powers we now command
     to process and exploit the natural realm,
     one has to wonder if we understand
     enough to navigate and take the helm,

     or have we like Prometheus overreached
     and brought an awful fire aboard our ship
     certain to leave our galley burnt and beached,
     a dreadful end to our once hopeful trip?

          It isn’t knowledge that we need to find
          but wisdom to decide what’s good and kind.

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