You and your generation have passed

Harsh judgement on America.

Rome also betrayed humanity,

Lusting for power.

And yet what are the alternatives

Unless we decide humanity

Is past caring for.

We must always begin with America

Or China or whatever nations

Take upon themselves the making of history.

And keep on saying over and over again,

People matter, people really do matter

More than any system.

But consider what people do

Not only to others but to themselves.

Humanity rat-ridden with fear

Gnaws at its own virtue.

We are a cancerous species.

Nevertheless every generation seeks the miracle

So far denied.

No one can fault your diagnosis;

You must find the appropriate treatment

That cures yet does not maim

Each fearful patient.

June 1968