It’s all unfolding at the same time 

Israel Palestine Sudan Ukraine 

Russia Yemen 

Climate change – Economic recession 

Feels like the world’s 

Heading for a dark depression 

Flag wavers, marches

masterpiece wreckers, 

statue smashers, 

road blockers

21st century wars of mods versus rockers… 

Yet no one is free

We gave that away 

A long time ago 

Created religion, politics, class, race

Instead of reaching inward

Upward outward

To our fellow traveller 

Now slowly being destroyed 

By our own futile false virtue

Chaos and violence reign

Modernity versus the medieval 

I just wish to jump into the sun

For l understand nothing 

Except loving my people

My self-created tribe

Of all faith colour creed

My dear child of the 21st century 

Indiana my friend my book end

Loved more than life…. 

I write poems for the world 

A world I both cherish and despise 

Oh! God hear my prayer 

For I have no one else to turn to

For the well is dry

My heart is heavy 

Am I insane claiming to know you… 

I am just a simple man 

Clinging to your grace 

Trying to be real

Hopefully clothed in humility 

Seeking truth, a reason 

Yet nothing changes 

Or remains the same 

An oxymoron of time

Like my life 

At times ugly 

But truly beautiful…. 

M C Bolton February 2024

Title by John Punton