Back Then

Back in the twenty first century

The world was in chaos.

There was no World Gov.

Democracy was limited to certain “Nations”

As such territories were called.

(We were so territorial then).

Millions died of malnutrition

In places called “Asia”, “Africa” and elsewhere.

Factions fought for land, resources

And “Religious” beliefs

That I will describe to you later.

In those days people were persecuted

For their race, gender

And any way in which they differed from “the norm”.

Anyone who spoke up against injustice

And countless other wrongs

Was branded “Un-PC”

Humiliated

Before his (or her) peers.

Those were troubled times,

Back in those “frontier days”.

Be thankful we are now civilised:

United Human Race,

Worldwide Democracy,

People Loving,

Compassionate

For the Good of All.

Welcome to my history class.

Let us learn from our mistakes,

And never repeat them.

Paul Butters

(Especially for my friend Paulo Gomes)