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"To Be Self-evident,"
after Edward Said.

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"Every empire tells its
subjects a story of revelation.

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The trees let down
their aging leaves,

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listless in late drought.

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The children thrive on
filtration, their classroom air

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and their selfies sanitized.

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Every empire seems invincible
as its borders submerge,

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its manicured hillsides
incinerate between guaranteed

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next-day deliveries.

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Every empire eulogizes
its value system,

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Splurges for pyrotechnics,

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Decorates its mausoleums
for the holidays.

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Every empire turns
against its colonies,

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Cradling the embassy's
crystal in bubble wrap,

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Packing extra treats for the
dogs on the evacuation flight

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home.

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Every empire promises a
revolution against itself.

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The children are tasked
with designing the future,

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Growing walls of
hydroponic greens,

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Rebranding old protest anthems.

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Every empire denies the
iceberg it crashes into,

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hires a chorus, funds the arts.

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Every empire sings
itself a lullaby."

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