The Question

Do you ever wonder what life would be like
if in the midst of turmoil and national strife
we turned “to” each other instead of “on”,
we tried to sing the same basic song
of respect for difference, mutual gain,
we made sure that no one was
left out in the rain?

Imagine a time when manners would count,
no matter the sum in your bank account,
or how many stocks and bonds you owned.
Across the board it could be shown
that nations thrive when people care,
the rules are just, opportunities fair.
Thoughtfulness rules the day.

Is this beyond our human reach?
Is what we believe and preach and teach
consistent with who we say we are?
It seems at times that we’ve come so far,
and then injustice and hate prevail.
Will we succeed or will we fail
the quest to be fully human?