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1991-I

 The year begins with war.
Our bombs fall day and night, Hour after hour, by death Abroad appeasing wrath, Folly, and greed at home.
Upon our giddy tower We'd oversway the world.
Our hate comes down to kill Those whom we do not see, For we have given up Our sight to those in power And to machines, and now Are blind to all the world.
This is a nation where No lovely thing can last.
We trample, gouge, and blast; The people leave the land; The land flows to the sea.
Fine men and women die, The fine old houses fall, The fine old trees come down: Highway and shopping mall Still guarantee the right And liberty to be A peaceful murderer, A murderous worshipper, A slender glutton, Forgiving No enemy, forgiven By none, we live the death Of liberty, become What we have feared to be.

Poem by Wendell Berry
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Book: Reflection on the Important Things