...Even Before We Are Born.... Poem by RIC BASTASA

the world knows what it wants.
what it wants to hear.
and you know that.


so speak only of hope, and happiness.
listen carefully.
it rejects what is bitter.
it frowns upon those who suffer.
those who are hateful, it shies away.

you must listen.
you must obey and comply with what it wants.
History is not poor.
It is rich with all its blotting.
How a village of sufferers is buried.
How a continent of blasphemers sinks to
the bottom of the ocean.

Gone.

Speak cleanly. Write what is good.
Sculpt what is beautiful

You may skip the truth.
the one which hurts, the one which shakes us.
the one that kills
even before we are born.