Lost Opportunities

Every day I grieve

for the missed opportunities

in this country,

the man we could have had as leader

now speaking on a smaller stage

now reaching a smaller audience

with a message of peace and reconciliation,

of investment in society not weapons.

Everyday I grieve 

for the missed opportunities

in that other county

where the man they could have had as leader

now speaks on a smaller stage,

now reaches a smaller audience

with a message of peace and reconciliation,

of investment in society not weapons.

Everyday I grieve

for the missed opportunities

to build a better world

where human rights are respected

wherever humans live,

where violence is deplored

whoever the perpetrators.

Where international law is upheld

so those who break it face justice

whoever they are,

wherever they are.

Where there is nowhere to hide

for those who break it

Where there are no smoke screens 

of meaningless words

but only exposure.

Every day I grieve for a world

where only the Corbyns and the Sanders

may rest in peace.