Clean Coal: A Wishful Oxymoron
Hard or Soft, Black and Deadly
Something burned to make
Things luminous.
Ironic, burning the blackest blackness
In order to make heat giving light.
Burning cold coal to make warmth.
The conversion can seem
Strangely oxymoronic
Like "Clean Coal."
As though there was a way
To perform that transformation
Alchemically
Subtracting all smoke, soot, dust
And assorted residual waste
From the air
We all have to breathe.
More of a political crying
That ignores death and dying
Than a scientific reality
Lacking greed-driven banality.
Compelling and tempting to some
Due to assessed need
Or unsatisfied greed;
Repugnant to others
Due to logical cognition.
In the whole
"Clean Coal"
Is most safely left
In the hole.
Hard or soft,
Coal has no soul.
Profit is the only goal.
A cold life or a warmed death.
We would hope to voice
A more realistic choice.
Published by David A. Reinstein, LCSW - Featured Contributor in Technology
Clinical Social Worker, psychotherapist, born in Boston and a relatively unscathed survivor of the 60 s. Fan of technology, guitars, creating music and poetry. Mental wellness coach, staff trainer and parent... View profile
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26 Comments
Post a CommentGreat poem; I can hear the rhythm as I read it...
I agree that we all have to learn to do our share and conserve energy. It is a lot easier for us to complain than it is for us to do anything ourselves. I am just as guilty of pointing my finger at others and forgetting that meanwhile there are 3 fingers pointing right back at me.
Your poems are always an intriguing read, and this one did not disappoint!
From the heart of a ruthless strip mining area, Amen.
You have such catchy titles for your poetry.
Great job! :^)
I concur, David would make a superb song writer.
Fantastic comment - yes - make it into a song!
From your mouth to God's ear!
You should write music to this - I see a play wrapped around it!