We live in a desert, desert sand all around,

So little life, so hot, in this heat will I “drown”?

Parched, bone dry and weary, where is water to drink?

Where is an oasis? In these dunes will I sink?

The heat so oppressive, beating down, a furnace,

The sun so relentless, much of life, a menace.

Grief is like searing heat, weary with much sadness.

Selfishness is the sun, people full of madness.

The heat of the critic, or the man, dismissive,

“Impassioned” words spoken, scorching day, derisive.

“I had to be ‘honest!’ It is just how I feel!

Can’t you see my fine point? I just had to ‘be real’!”

The rage of temper blows, like tumbleweeds afar,

Anger on every plain, fury’s wild winds so far.

“It’s the other guys’ fault! They are all such haters!”

King snake’s venom, dripping, “expert” commentators.

You dare not utter words; the thought police will pounce.

This godforsaken land on you they will renounce.

Pointed cactus needles, sharper than any sword,

Death by a thousand cuts, from “experts” in the horde.

“They’re only out for self!” Such proud accusations,

Weak straw men arguments, and exaggerations.

Disdaining damnations, assuming worst desires,

Contempt and arrogance, scorching heat of hell’s fires.

Santa Ana heat waves, arising from the south,

Disdain, scorn, derision, words from everyone’s mouth?

Carnivorous humans, sharp, bloodthirsty comments,

Relationships bleeding, harsh tongues bring such torments.

Different opinions, we should not be surprised,

But what divides us are responses we despise.

Outrage, contempt, hatred, Satan’s proud tools inflamed,

Desert sands’ inferno, contempt spewed. unashamed.

(Romans 3:10-18)