I stood there watching the sun set
Wondering if it might be the last I’d see—
Old men ponder such things.

I stood there wondering if mankind, also,
Was at that point in its life—
Could it navigate the growing turbulence of the day?

I stood there wondering how many new days
The children of my world would see—
The hate the pestilence the greed.

I stood there watching and wondering
As I felt hope draining from by soul—
Replaced by spiraling sorrow and despair.

I stood there reviewing the history of mankind.
The power of evil has always been an eager presence in the wings—
In recent days it seemed to be wining on so many fronts.

I stood there saddened that I had no way
Of ending this with words of optimism and hope—
Always before I have had words of optimism and hope.