In A True Democracy - Anodea Judith

[Larry Robinson]

In A True Democracy

If forests of trees
smelling smoke from distant fires,
could cast their vote for rain,
We’d have a downpour.

If flocks of  birds, 
Dropping from the skies
Could cast their vote for clean air
Their left and right wings 
Would flap together in formation.

If the teeming oceans 
With their colorful schools of fish
could vote for their coral reefs
We’d have a blue wave tsunami. 

If the thousands of children
Lost from their parents
could cast their vote for
re-united states,
they would weep for joy.

If those breathing in ventilators 
Or already dead from Covid,
Could cast their vote for science,
Their sigh of relief would 
Cleanse the filth of lies.

If those in distant countries
Forced to bear the burden 
Of our consumption and climate denial
Could cast a vote for sanity,
They could stay with their loved ones 
in their homeland.

If the future could vote
for a celebration of diversity and wonder
It would deliver evolution’s promise.

But it’s up to us to carry these voices
And vote for the ongoing symphony
Of all creation. 

	- Anodea Judith