It’s 3:23 in the morning
and I’m awake
because my great great grandchildren
won’t let me sleep
my great great grandchildren
ask me in dreams
what did you do while the planet was plundered?
what did you do when the earth was unraveling?

surely you did something
when the seasons started failing?

as the mammals, reptiles, and birds were all dying?

did you fill the streets with protest
when democracy was stolen?

what did you do
once
you
knew?

– Drew Dellinger, from Hieroglyphic Stairway

“The Face of War in Sierra Leone” photo by Kate Lapides-Black