In the Air

When at last we reached our bipedal stage
we stood with fists raised in the air
We bowed to the brightest stars in the sky
as we worshiped both heaven and earth

We chanted tales to the crescent moon
as we danced to the rhythm of falling rain
yet we stood with fists raised in the air
till the thunder-bird crashed in the plains

When bear and wolf were sacred beasts
while soil and water our precious friends
brought life to mouths of full belief
respect for creatures throughout the land

We stored the harvest and consumed the hunt
praised the god of food and the lord of death
yet we stood with fists raised in the air
till the goddess of truth and justice appeared

Primitive tribes much more advanced
where family the woven fabric of life
stitched tattered ends to meager means 
as they held out hope for all species

Yet we cast aside our former faith
dumped toxins for the wind to propel
stole lives for seconds on the silver screen
as we stood on the shore of our living hell

When technology defeated philosophy
we stood with a finger raised in the air
flaunting our thoughtless victory
over a social war - never declared
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Brown Avatar
July 19, 2010 at 6:01 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week Jack. Love, Carol
Fisher Avatar
July 18, 2010 at 6:26 AM
Many congrats on your feature this week. Rgds Jan
Hill Avatar
June 9, 2010 at 2:56 PM
It makes me think of my Native American family, all around the world, great poem! Thanks for sharing and good job making the first round :)
Brown Avatar
June 3, 2010 at 11:29 AM
Congratulations on your poetry making it through the first round Jack. I wish you the best in the finals. Love, Carol
 Avatar
May 31, 2010 at 3:15 PM
Congratulations on making it through the first round of the Poetry Soup contest with this poem. Best wishes in the finals. Karen
Jordan Avatar
May 28, 2010 at 7:06 PM
Jack - -Congratulations on having your poetry featured this week, God Bless, mj
Larson Avatar
May 27, 2010 at 1:59 PM
Needing to be said. Still a conscientious innovation, and distribution of "cosmic" will, or down right caring for common change to save humanity and the species. Paula L.
Brown Avatar
May 25, 2010 at 5:29 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week Jack. May you have many more features and may you find loads of inspiration along the way. Love, Carol
Fisher Avatar
May 24, 2010 at 1:21 PM
Brilliant piece Jack - enjoyed reading very much, congrats on your feature. Rgds Janette
 Avatar
May 23, 2010 at 4:11 PM
Good use of imagery to share your thoughts. Congratulations on having your poem featured. I wish you continued success with your writing. Karen
Brown Avatar
October 19, 2009 at 6:10 AM
What an amazing write Jack. Thank you. Love, Carol
Kendrick Avatar
October 18, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Very thought provoking write. Keep writing. Sara
Hilliker Avatar
October 18, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Nicely written. I like the last stanza. Keep writing.
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