In Response to the Dire Warnings of Global Calamity

Mantra for Plenty

Say the world won't end.  Believe it. 

Say it again . . . the world won't end. 

Every door must not shut. The simple task 

of fixing a lunch, smiling at the good luck 

to find the elevator waiting 

at your floor . . . any bland act 

should be carried like myrrh. 

The old superstitions already howl 

off the presses . . . don't let them find 

a furrow to poison. Minister 

to many . . . give a singular dose

of the world won't end. Brave 

the walk along the river in old shoes.

Cross miles with the company

of a good bicycle thrashing 

your legs. What we do is what

we must. The world will not end. 

The honest intent to carry another

from the cold 

toward the small fire in the stove, 

where your neighbors stand,

will be enough. Something intrinsic

and easy. It's enough

to ensure the world will not end.