THE TRANQUIL SIDE OF THE MOON

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Before you think of what
You’ve learned
And sing your favorite tune
Do not forget
The silent sea
on the tranquil side of the moon
Where bodies sewn in sailcloth
Float in outer space
Until they turn to dust and ash
And vanish
With no trace.

But down on earth
Where they first cried
Their footprints are still fresh
Which children will still follow
In search of their own flesh

Their voices will be memorized
Their scent will be exhumed
And photographs will speak to us
And hearts will be illumed

Before you romp on beaches
And announce your life brand new
Remember all the sacrifice
And those who coded blue

And the torture of their final breaths
Inside the ICU

Before you hit the barrooms  
And only think of you
Remember everyone we lost
Who’d love a kiss or two

Right now they are numbers
Stats without a face
But tell that to their families
Who set an empty place

Before you harm the earth again
And cheer on orange fools
Who didn’t give a damn for you
And cherished only jewels
Look up at night
And say a prayer
To the tranquil side of the moon
And take the time to thank the lord
That you wound up immune.

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