The Debt Ceiling That Can’t Be Raised
The Debt Ceiling That Can’t Be Raised
I’m not so worried
about the national debt
as the global debt, yet
untallied== No ticking sign
in Times Square clocks
species docked, soil debased,
seas acidified, landscapes wasted,
or all that roiling plastic
that already bastes us–
little interest’s been paid, but
we’ll be in the hot seat
soon enough, ash-due.
**************************
Here’s a rather gloomy poem for the G-Man – 55 words (sans title or hope) . Though I am extremely glad that some of the silliness in Washington has come to an end for now, I worry that with all these self=inflicted crises, no one can focus on true problems, which, to my mind, are not limited to issues of economic growth.
The above is a detail of a chandelier of recycled plastic bottles made by Katherine Harvey that was hung in the World Financial Center last year. Although I think plastic is dreadful stuff— it breaks down and gets absorbed into the bloodstreams and guts of all kinds of creatures–Harvey’s sculpture was stunning. More pics can be seen here.
Explore posts in the same categories: poetryTags: Debt Ceiling that Can't Be Raised, Global Debt, Global warming poem, Katharine Harvey recycled plastic pic, manicddaily, the hot seat of global warming
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ManicDDaily 
October 18, 2013 at 5:30 pm
Hard-hitting and all too true, k. was just talking about the plastic in the ocean that seabirds are eating(and starving because of) with my husband–our little governing problems seem really petty sometimes compared to the destruction with which we are surrounded, and to which our way of life contributes. I’ve always hated plastic. Now I have a reason besides the fact its tacky.
October 18, 2013 at 5:30 pm
PS Perfect title!
October 18, 2013 at 7:44 pm
Perfect EVERYTHING Karin…
The pic, the message, the story…You ROCK!!!
And you are On Time!….YAY!!!!
Loved your Global Clock Is Ticking 55
Always so creative, even with those Pot-Lickers in Gov’t
dragging their feet!
Thanks for playing, you are always missed…:-)
Have a Kick Ass Week-End
October 18, 2013 at 8:32 pm
Thanks so much, Galen, for the opportunity to play. Have a nice weekend yourself. k
October 18, 2013 at 8:08 pm
I think I’m the only one that doesn’t like the chandelier 😛 Your poem expresses the angst of many! I purchased class containers with lids for my leftovers and try to not use plastic bags, etc. nor bottled water. I don’t even like buying pop! Crazy world, yes, we are so wasteful.
October 18, 2013 at 8:31 pm
No, don’t buy pop! (Actually, I’m lucky enough not to buy it either. I was addicted as a young girl, but then gave it up–about thirty years ago–andnever got my children into it.) I don’t think I’d want the chandelier but it was very cool to see in person. Thanks Margaret for stopping by. k.
October 19, 2013 at 2:28 am
A few more people than perhaps intended listened to Mr. Robinson…
October 19, 2013 at 5:57 am
Hi M. I’m afraid I don’t get that–I keep thinking of Terry Pratchett who has Mr. Robinson’s box- so know that’s not right! I will look up! Thanks. k.
October 19, 2013 at 6:53 am
Wow. What an image. Worse than plastic is syrofoam. I have completely forgone take-home restaurant food. Those containers are disgusting and should be banned. I heartedly agree, our main problem has nothing to do with economic growth. In fact…isn’t that part of the problem?
I always love what you have to say. Onwards and upwards.
October 19, 2013 at 9:51 am
It always scares me to think how much plastic waste is piling up on the face of the planet. Good to see some of it being recycled into art. Your poem raises a very serious issue – the lack of monitoring of man’s harmful effects on the environment is a sure step towards eventual self-destruction.
October 19, 2013 at 11:34 am
oh yeah, a little global warming, we’ll eventually boil and our sins against the earth will def come due….
October 19, 2013 at 11:36 am
Living internationally gives a different perspective on the shenanigans in Washington and their real- life implications globally. And the plastic problem, also international, is heart breaking.
October 19, 2013 at 12:29 pm
Oh I so hear you. Great write, Karin.
October 20, 2013 at 12:15 pm
Exactly right. Worse yet, I can’t help but think these tiny plastic globules floating around unwanted in blood streams could have been a valuable resource if handled correctly.
Mine is here
October 24, 2013 at 10:35 pm
No more gloomy than the situation unfortunately. 😦 But it’s a good poem. Yours always are.
October 24, 2013 at 10:37 pm
Thanks, Jamie. And you, besides being a super poet, are a super kind commenter. k.