The Sauna

I’ve lived a long life.

I’ve traveled around the world.

I’ve seen so much beauty.

In many objects and actions,

Yet,

I’ve seen and continue to see,

Countless events I wish I hadn’t.

Some people say I’m bipolar,

Up and down,

One moment I’m calm,

The next a raging storm,

Some people are frightened by me,

By my depth,

The possibilities I hold,

Others can’t get enough,

I see them every day:

Joyous and ecstatic,

And for some,

I inspire them to live.

Many despise me still,

That’s at least what I think,

If you valued something,

Would you treat it like trash?

Leave it to deal with the monstrous problems

You created,

Kill and destroy its friends and family?

I’ve seen my community ripped apart.

My friends killed for the benefit of others.

I see this like the number of fish in the ocean.

Lately,

As years elapse,

There have been changes,

Happening around me,

My friends once,

Elevated and beautiful-A force to be reckoned with,

Cut down.

My neighbors who travel,

About as much as I do,

Killed by a surplus of oil,

Suffocated,

By debris and dross.

Many,

Turn a blind eye,

“It’ll work itself out”

Or someone else will figure out an answer,

That’s not happening!

I’m getting hot,

Uncomfortably so,

And from my friends and I,

That we need help,

From you?

I’ve risen,

Oh how I’ve risen,

And I’m continuing so,

But I’ve sunk,

To the most basal level possible,

And from all my years alive,

It tell you,

I’ve never seen it as and as this,

And if it continues to progress,

I wish I’ll be dead.