There has been this emergence, or a re-emergence to some, of far-right nationalism on a global scale. Ideas that a decade ago would’ve been thought unfathomable, suddenly gaining a new degree of validity in political circles. Globalization, world peace and liberal democracy, all facing a bizarre rejection at an alarming rate. It is as if a document outlining an ideal world was just thrown away and set on fire. This poem tries to convey this fear of losing a good future.
I see fire in the distance.
The fumes of industrial rage
thundering across blank pages
left that way because we did
not care to share our thoughts.
I see fire in the distance.
White light shining through
Nebulous fog, a frightful
sight blocking all enlightenment
and shutting down all knowledge.
I see fire in the distance.
The mechanized military money
machine keeps dreams
heartfelt-free, a need
to nurture nation alone.
I see fire in the distance.
Where red banners blast
crooked masts on once
green lawns, the dawn of
democracy’s end draws near.
I see fire in the distance.
Bloodstained posts posted
past prominent safe places,
a subtle-but-not reminder of
relationships deemed wrong.
I see fire in the distance,
one whose flames come
not from foreign foes,
but from tyrants at home;
and with this land, I burn.
