An Incomplete American - Sonnet 30

“Who now can give us hope in desperate times?”

The anxious crowd, abysmally distraught,

Bewailed atop the stones. “Haven’t we ought

To look to ancient wisdoms, to the signs

Of generosity and sacrifice

For others, and to scratch upon the heights

And bring them low to make the daytime night?

For if we do not, nothing will suffice!”

Just then, a voice rang clearly through the past:

“Be still: you do not realize what you do.

Expecting emotion to work for you

Will not bring your utopia, your mask.

For while you only see your present cage,

You then forget the freer future age.”