Instrument

Why blame
The executioner
The arrows, gallows, swords

Why kill
The messenger
The terrified scapegoat

Why damn
The profiteers —
Kings and their court

Why raze
Topple statues, blast castles
Burn flags, dead scrolls

Why seek
Justice — march, protests
Expose taboos and lies

Why scorch
Flay with words
Pierce the air

What then
What’s left
Kneel —
Or die
By your own hands

Or maybe—
Transcend

Why not
Seek enlightenment
Follow the path—
Arrive

Retreat—
Mountain, cave or jungle

Write books
Open an ashram
Travel the world —
Give talks

Why not
Be a master
Unattached
Right action

And why start at all —
Why grapple with your head down
Why not just —

Do your work
Make a living
Stay in shape
Have a family
Raise children
And see that —

Executioners execute
Profiteers profit
Seekers march
Scorchers burn

And whether awake or asleep
Never knowing what
You would do
Only what gets done
Through you

Be the feet
Of marchers
The screams
Of the messenger
Or the hands
Of executioner