the world isn't as bleak
as it has been painted.

people have been presented
with the gloomiest possible picture
of their own prospects,
that's all.

we seem to scout
for moral guidance
that would safeguard us
from the punishment
of those whose opinions
aren't conducive to our own welfare.

mayhaps with the combination
of real hearty, intense affection
with true unselfishness
between the old people
and the young ones,
we can be an
orb of unity,
shattering only
the placental sac
of misunderstanding,
allowing the birth
of new ways to love,
new ways to become.

12/02/2005