Endangered Species
The US political landscape
my future is an endangered species.
the sky black woman song sung straight
from the center of tornados spun by the
hatred of others who see me, we
are viewed as nothing but cotton
underneath feet, strong Atlas to carry
the earth on backs, cultural roadmaps
we've been reduced to, steal from us
what you want, then gulp from
the Big Dipper ladle the moonlight
that saved us, and now the sun is gone.
swallow the planets next with that
never-ending hunger until you've become
tangled, an ouroboros feasting on itself.
your future is an endangered species now too.
how does it feel? that you never cared about
anyone--not even you?
only money will do.
About the Creator
R.C. Taylor
I write to invoke, to process, to honor, to resurrect, and—sometimes—to grieve but, above all, I write to be free.
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Comments (13)
Congrats on Top Story, Love the Story and you nailed it. Very proud of you…
good . please take a look at my profile
Wow this is really incredible. Congrats on your well deserved top story for this one. Endangered species is a powerful metaphor. -r
Congratulations on your Top Story. The title caught my attention. I started and played in a band for three years that was called endangered species. Loved your poem, too, by the way.
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
P-H-E-N-O-M-E-N-A-L! 💪🏾🔥👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💖🩷💕😱
Wow, this is excellent. The feeling of chaos in the beginning is so tangible, and the sense of injustice over things taken rather than simple grief over things lost is really compelling. Whole thing feels flawless, but that "gulp from the big dipper" line is absolutely top tier. And everything that follows-- up to the ouoborous-- really characterizes the mad, self-defeating gluttony of the oppressors. Love this poem, even though it's heavy. Also, the format and word choice almost make it feel like a prophetic incantation. The last line, "only money will do" is the cherry on top. I love witnessing art that criticizes capitalism, and the way your poem calls out the unsustainability of consumption is really well executed. Unlimited growth has always been based in abuse, and it seems by its very nature to be destined for collapse-- that's the sentiment I'm feeling after reading your poem. Good stuff!
Well written, congrats 👏
Sadness. Full-on sadness. *Feels* Songs and offerings at the feet of "the sky black woman" along with the bounty of every harvest. Gold, silver, diamonds, sapphires, pearls, and every precious gem. Every treasure ultimately returns to source. We will have triumphant reign in the end. As we say back home,"Just hold de slight tight!" Soon come.
"swallow the planets next with that never-ending hunger until you've become tangled, an ouroboros feasting on itself" Now that is the ultimate truth! Loved your poem!
Powerful message! Loved your poem. 💚
Doomladen images but it captures the essence of the times we live in. But I believe in the goodness of people.
Damn, that ending statement—so stark, so telling, and incredibly topical. So well done. The entire poem is harrowing and full to the brim with the pain of our current present. We will stand with you. ♥️