Who knew the dysfunction was so great?
Who knew there was so much fear and hate?
For the most part we went our way,
thinking everything was “pretty-much” okay,
but when those now in charge ascended
the systems we took for granted into chaos descended.
Machiavelli’s answer after abandonment and torture
was to use whatever is available — love or fear.
Love is not in the equation. Fear is clearly here.
We see it work for those demanding
and minions fall in line like lemmings.
The Franciscan said that non-violent action in love
is still the only antidote that can lift us above
all the hate and fear,
and so we offer open, uplifted hands while shedding a tear.