As The World Burns

(“The Cave of Unknowing”, 2012, original oil) As The World Burns As the world turns The morning soap operas play out In print and film, song and dance Showing on every screen A world ablaze with fear Disease, famine, war and rumors of war Programming the programmable While I sit in my room a cocoon Surrounded by dogs All sprawled out on chair and sofa and floor Asleep at ease and peace Filling the house With their own therapeutic vibe Beyond worry at least as long as they dream While I watch and wait Soothed by their dogged oblivion As the world outside turns and burns And I grow just a little more uncomfortable Filling a delightful cocoon that I know Must eventually open Into a great unknown. (12/11/24)