what we have wrought

no one has time today to stand and stare
for matters where we cannot reach accord
the world has never been so full of care
all places we could flee have been explored
the single choice now triple underscored
and not a court to which we might appeal
to reach true harmony still the big deal
is one for which the least could see the sign
of active life we have it seems to squeal
while those who wait may drink a glass of wine

the only gift remaining is dumb fear
we watch as the heat warps every floorboard
no drop of moisture is left in the air
each ox led to the slaughter has been gored
and all the blood to the dark gods been poured
not one thing left for prudence to unseal
while stinking fish fill up the creaking creel
our choices are mislabelled as divine
the innocent are hauled beneath the keel
while those who wait may drink a glass of wine

the moral cupboard is empty and bare
not one good thing of all we need is stored
justice and honour lie wounded in the square
so many good things have gone by the board
under the rule of gun and club and sword
the charnel worm is guaranteed its meal
none of its acts are subject to repeal
its only principle to undermine
folk who believe it's possible to heal
while those who wait may drink a glass of wine

prince every people can be brought to heel
while quickly learning what it is to feel
the angry whip and to be baled in twine
we've wandered very far from the ideal
and learned about the turning of the wheel
while those who wait may drink a glass of wine