Distraction Poem by Barry Middleton

please bring me something to distract
from pain and ambiguity
from all the brutal things I see
and all the insincerity

the world is cruel with wanton greed
and all the baser traits
I see no savior in the clouds
as humankind awaits

you say that we must save ourselves
that is a noble thought
one thing that passing time reveals
salvation can't be bought

for all my life I've wondered what
a common man could do
to change the world and waken love
if only in a few

but old and tired I've given up
it gives my head a pain
please give me something to distract
and sooth my fevered brain