Powerless

In parts of our city, the power went out
intentionally outages after a strong storm,
to prevent further damages, to make sure
we all will be comfortable during the summer.

It was uncomfortable, a bit too warm
but how wonderful to know for sure
the power will come back on, the bills are paid
there is no doubt on our minds.

Five thousand miles across an ocean
in a country far away, they sit in the dark
their old life is gone, they are under attack
surrounded by darkness and war.

In my city, the lights came back on, the internet is back
the A/Cs run overtime again, food is on the stove.
The outages didn’t last long, two or three days for some,
just a few hours for many. Aren’t we fortunate?

Yet it didn’t take long, now neighbors are angry,
and social media is the fuel they need, to stay that way.
Electric cars, and politicians, nothing is too big or too small
to get the blame, because someone has to.

“How dare they, not give us a warning,
we should sue them, not pay the next bill.”
Not many are grateful, just a few try to stay logical
some are saddened, I am one of them.

Our entitlements are just illusions
the lights can go out quickly
many of us are just a paycheck away
from darkness, from heat and bitter cold.

The power went out and came back on,
yet I still feel powerless.