It was simpler before it came

Before the shriek of metal,

The roar of engines, tanks and helicopters

The deafening explosions of bombs,

The throbbing biomechanical gristle of civilization

 

Before, the cycle was uninterruptible

Life consumed to nurture new life

Sacrifice necessary and understood

Predation for survival, not profit

 

Yes, before the darkness there was harmony

Not this insidious dissonance

Not this separation and ignorance

Not this bliss addiction and mechanical rhythms

This obsession with finishing,

Forgetting the shared beginning of all things

 

Before, the separation was indistinct

The web interdependence accepted, not ignored, not manipulated for personal gain

No concept of shame, of difference, of superiority, authority, minorities,

All forms simply part of a greater mosaic

 

Before darkness, the greater picture was illuminated

The balance understood and inherent

So we seek light

To make these ancient truths again apparent.