Lifeboats for the Economy

The waves appeared

deceptively calm

when the iceberg hit

The minutes passed

and the water poured 

through holes in the hull

There was no question

the ship had begun

its descent into dark waters

As the lifeboats were lowered,

the rich were already

standing by, alert 

They quickly commandeered

the limited places 

for their friends, families 

Their stocks and bonds 

were carefully lowered 

into the remaining seats

The poor,

furthest from safety,

as they always are kept,

arrived in time 

to watch the last of the 

boats cast off

from the sinking wreckage

The bow sank,

the stern lifted,

bodies were tossed,

unprepared,

into the ocean

The rich,

safe in their lifeboats

beside their overflowing riches

watched the bodies 

of the poor,

gasping for breath,

trickle down

into the depths 

of the cold water

Written March 27, 2020