Our myths, our salves

When we feel wanting we make
a god our provider. When we feel
threatened, patriotism becomes our refuge.

When we feel exposed we make
a border our shield. When we feel
impotent, a flag becomes our virility.

When we feel rudderless we make
an ideology our oar. When we feel
ignorant, a worldview becomes our sage.

When we feel small we make
a hero our stead. When we feel
lost, a leader becomes our guide.

When we feel incomplete we make
myth to fill the gaps. When we feel
alone, myth becomes our friend.


( inspired by Robert Pinsky's Samurai Song )