As it is and will be 
for the foreseeable future, there is 
only what remains behind the disguise.
   As natural as it has been, as
   astonishing as it occasionally seems, 
   we can only hope it will get better.
     Why is it we allow optimism 
     to dislimn all that is?
          Hope casts a lengthy shadow.
 

05/17/2024                                                                                j.g.l.