Who Am I Better Than?

Important because it’s an unconscious question

that sits below the screeching headlines 

yet informs my actions

I am better than the killer who shot an unarmed man

and got off free and the killer of 17 students

with a rifle he cradled like a baby

better than the NRA who say everyone should carry 

then shooters wouldn’t - but feel it doesn’t matter 

who lives and dies as long as the economy is good

and all those who know the economy is a religion 

so that billions die before climate change

and all the suffering will create more mass shooters

more wars, more disease while scientists predict 

the threat of artificial intelligence

and if we manage to arm ourselves to the mind

and not just the teeth we shall see the winners 

stride across an emptied world in triumph

and who will care who is better then?
No-one.