Ego

by Lucille Hamilton

Think how big their egos must be

that their name is known even

in villages that grow cotton or rice

for a living, or that depend

on the diminishing fish that are

hauled from the swelling sea.

Never before in our known earth's history

has there been such power among so few.

Is it the power of the head, the thinking power,

or is it the understanding compassion of the heart?

Who has both,

that can lead us wisely through the extremes

of our extreme creations

that involve us all

in decisions that mean life

or death - for us all

in our shared lives' experience

here on this beautiful, giving earth?

                       ***