Do You Hear the People Sing?

This is the beginning 

Of the beginning

Or so they say

But there’s definitely a rumble and a stir

A change in the air that says

Something’s coming, something good

As people of all ages and backgrounds 

Gather to demand something different 

A change in the way things are run

They converge in city squares 

And in front of financial institutions

They bring tents 

And attempt to give voice to everyone present

They even occupy empty bank buildings

Reclaiming the space for the public

To say alright! We’ve had enough! 

We’re sick and tired of a world 

Governed in a way that is  

Unsustainable, unhealthy, unjust

As Matt Taibbi’s friend says, 

f*#! this shit! 

And it’s not just America.

It’s Egypt and Tunisia and Libya and Bahrain and Syria and Yemen and Algeria and Iraq and Jordan and Morocco and Oman and Kuwait and Lebanon and Mauritania and Saudi Arabia and Sudan and Western Sahara and South Africa and Spain and Greece and France and Germany and Portugal and England and Ireland and Scotland and Canada and Argentina and Mexico and Brazil and Hong Kong and Malaysia and Australia and New Zealand and the list goes on and on...

And as the protests grow and refuse to be catergorized

Refuse to be silenced

The police show up in ever increasing numbers

With riot gear and pepper spray

And the right-wing politicians tell those damned hippies to go home and take a shower

At the end of the day

What are we fighting for?

Police v. protestors v. politicians v. presidents v. prime ministers v. people

Whatever costume you’re wearing

It’s all people fighting people fighting people

As twenty-something Kate Monster asks,

Why can’t people love each other and get along Christmas Eve? 

I hope this is a chance for change

For the system to be made accountable

To create a world that is 

Sustainable, healthy, just

We have to believe something better is possible 

Or we will never even be able to attempt to create it