time goes on

a river flows
and time goes
no start or end
the river bends
becomes the ocean
brings life
becomes the world

and time goes on
and people, plants
animals flourish

and rivers suffer
from engines
from litter

the ocean falters
is pricked by needles
drowned in oil

farmers unsure
of their own soil

and time goes on

the land erodes
irrigation drains the
earth's water to bottle
to sell to the poor
who can't afford it
anymore
and so pollute themselves
with city water
processed boxes
of welfare food product
not fit for the health
of a rat
dehumanized
earth brutalized

and time goes on