Vibrations of softly spoken stories of connivance surround us;

In tandem with expanding clouds in descent; as grayness claims proclamations of black and white; and darkness replaces tomorrow and yesterday.

Leaders follow treachery to their own salvations; Prime Ministers and Presidents double-down as the law creeps too close. Closer and closer. Until a snake elects to chew an empty carcass.  Signals sent.  Talons dipped in darkened blood. No light to darken any more.

Clouds descend; from our left, from our right. Yes, the worst are full of passionate intensity. And if I am among the best, then where is my conviction?

Let hunger’s scream shock daylight’s light;  let us call forth youth’s ennobling might.

Let leadership’s mantle come to rest, on those few among us who are better than best.