The Divide Poem by Barry Middleton

the emptiness of hollow politics
cannot cross these divisions
business exploits the common man
and men betray both brother and sister

a wave is building
resistance is the answer
the firm commitment

institutions cloaked in righteousness
religions of love and truth
are mired in hatred and deceit
and steered by greed and power

resist hatefulness
we must reclaim the pulpit
restore the garden

nations are like tribes of warring apes
our baser instincts are on parade
on the killing fields of the apex predator
suspicion and competition are like gods

cleanse the sin of Cane
let earth care for everyone
sharing like family

it turns to man vs woman, white vs black
vs brown and yellow
and the bigotry of gender wars
is the spiritual murder of so many

we are but one race
we are one humanity
born for unity

in the centers of leadership obstructionism
rules the day
our leaders are at war with their colleagues
and no solutions rise from the fog

cooperation
rebuilding a paradise
only requires will

this has to change, this cannot stand
the planet is decaying, crumbling
the sea consumes the land
this has to change, this cannot stand

we must protect earth
we will have the world we earn
oasis or death

the answers are so obvious
a politics of unity and compromise
moderate coalitions of willingness
and tolerance

problem solving leadership for humanity
let us all join hands
we can reclaim Eden's hope
dream big and reach out