A tag displayed on Banksy’s art,
the rhino spoilt, spray paint debased;
reception dish of cat curtailed
and hoarding down, ‘safe keeping’ played.
The balaclavas say it all,
the need to cover up deface.
Why is it, laying claim as part
of making mark, such strident march?
As twelves in court, the jury out
on what has happened to the world.
I’m thankful those who make their stand
against those burning, throwing, loot,
while stranger, neighbours help raise funds,
refill the pilfered business shelves.
The corner shop - our stock in trade -
safe hostel housing lost withal,
while Gaza’s children, elderly
bewail the loss of family
and West Bank razed, their customs shot,
so what has happened to the world?
As Max Ehrmann said at the end of his wonderful poem 'Desiderata' With all it's sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world,.be cheerful, strive to be happy. Much easier for me to read Stephen ( must be the rhyming) and very topical. Thanks agaain
Not convinced that the kindness of strangers / neighbours will be enough to put this mad world to rights but it does, as you say so well, offer a small but welcome dose of hope.