Unlike Them Poem by RIC BASTASA

unlike them
all they need to write are only a few
to become the shining stars of the heavens
the greatest of them
does not even have to say any word
to become the sun
the brightest planet shines
on the midnight sky
even without a hush

you must learn as early as now
that they have inherited their thrones from the gods
and goddesses
those that do not work and earn their merit
through hard work and
sacrifices

they do not have to burn their candles on both ends
for their lights are inside them
like living fireflies in automation
innate and essential for their own natural existences
they do not have to show off to be
heavenly and glorious
for effortlessly they are victorious

but no regrets for we are the ants and the pebbles are on our side
in the middle of the thick grass above the sand dunes
we look up and we wonder
we thirst and we wait for the drops of rain
we are empty and we breathe the air at night to be full
we are small and insignificant
yet we are what we are
no promises

in the simplicity of our dreams
in the fatigue of our work
in the salt of our sweat
we earn this essence

we are what we are in the smallness of our hidden worlds
the gods are sleeping the goddesses are dancing
we watch them and we are pleased
we all worship and adore them
that is glory enough
for all of us