925. PRETEND YOU CARE

PRETEND YOU CARE
Pretend you care about the price of babies
in China, pretend you care about captives and
death. Pretend you care about hostages in Haiti.
Pretend you care about men running borders
and fighters and old men starving and kids
on meth. Pretend it matters, even for a moment,
that some don't eat, that some drink water
that's bad, that others, housed in mud
hovels, go blind before they're ten. Pretend,
if you can, that religious people can't lie, and
that fighters are always right and the men
who gives speeches and hold office are
always honest and bright.
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No, though I know, it's impossible,
no, I say you must go on. Pretend
things are right. Pretend there's no
alarm. Our arms are crossed in
obeisance. Our consciences
are clear.