This vessel

is filled with filth

The filth lines

every inch of its wall

so thick and slimy

so deep and extensive

it seems to be part of the norm

developed far too long

for many in the vessel

from the top to the bottom

all these years

This vessel

needs to be cleaned of its filth

How does one get it cleaned?

Those who climb into it,

the filth will rub on them

Those who climb out of it,

the filth still sticks on them

For this vessel

cannot be rid of its filth

unless it is turned upside down

to release its filthy content

or be replaced with another vessel

with better system and norms

where the top to the bottom

reject being the filth

reject accepting the filth

– of putting self-interest above public interest

– of unbridled profiteering from power and positions

– of propagating inequality and discrimination

– of instituting might is right

and form new habits

of all that is good and just.

Cover image by Marcelo Cidrack on Unsplash. The copyright of this piece belongs to the author of this literary work.  

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