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Crude
by David R SpellmanSofter than gold
More precious perhaps
We seek you out
Ever more cleverly
Even more desperately
Tapping into you
Drawing you up
'Til you become part of us
And are everywhere
Our lifeblood
Flowing through the very arteries
Of all of our lives
Pumping industry
Shaping money games
Affording luxury
Sustaining comfort
Supporting survival
Mobility depends on you
Freedom too
Sun clouded from my eyes
Foul stench in the air
Dioxins in my breath
PCB in my drink
Life, dead in the sea
Rain melting forest away
Billions made
Billions spent
Children go hungry
The price we pay
Grows higher by day
As you grow more present
And we more dependent
A world at your command
But you too are mortal
As are we
Wealth is limited
Power wanes
Time depletes you
How much longer can you last?
How much longer can we?
Which of us
Will see the other
Fade away?
08/11/1985 Posted on 10/14/2001
Copyright © 2024 David R Spellman
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 10/04/02 at 01:31 PM A timely reread considering the Middle East situation. Iraq is largely about oil. Hussein's threat to the oil supplies in the countries around him. And his threat to Israel as well. I truly wish we could just leave the area and let them sort it all out themselves! Well, you have me on my soapbox this morning already! LOL! Your point of course being well taken that we shouldn't be trusting in oil nor the wealth it brings at this point in time. Well expressed! And Biblical too! :) |
| Posted by Cathlyn Cartier on 10/08/02 at 11:02 PM Wonderful! My father actually had the priviledge of retiring from the oil field, while many others were forced into bankruptcy and new careers in the late 70's and early 80's. Being brought up around "the Texas patch" I can really understand the many truths (obvious, and less so) that are contained in this work. |
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