"To Be Self-evident," after Edward Said.
"Every empire tells its subjects a story of revelation.
The trees let down their aging leaves,
listless in late drought.
The children thrive on filtration, their classroom air
and their selfies sanitized.
Every empire seems invincible as its borders submerge,
its manicured hillsides incinerate between guaranteed
next-day deliveries.
Every empire eulogizes its value system,
Splurges for pyrotechnics,
Decorates its mausoleums for the holidays.
Every empire turns against its colonies,
Cradling the embassy's crystal in bubble wrap,
Packing extra treats for the dogs on the evacuation flight
home.
Every empire promises a revolution against itself.
The children are tasked with designing the future,
Growing walls of hydroponic greens,
Rebranding old protest anthems.
Every empire denies the iceberg it crashes into,
hires a chorus, funds the arts.
Every empire sings itself a lullaby."