I like this song by Rush. It has a lot of meaning in this day and age regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine and regarding wars that are the result of perceiving via separation.
Territories
I see the Middle Kingdom between Heaven and Earth
Like the Chinese call the country of their birth
We all figure that our homes are set above
Other people than the ones we know and love
In every place with a name
They play the same territorial game
Hiding behind the lines
Sending up warning signs
The whole wide world
An endless universe
Yet we keep looking through
The eyeglass in reverse
Don’t feed the people
But we feed the machines
Can’t really feel
What international means
In different circles
We keep holding our ground
Indifferent circles
We keep spinning round and round
We see so many tribes — overrun and undermined
While their invaders dream of lands they’ve left behind
Better people — better food — and better beer
Why move around the world when Eden was so near?
The bosses get talking so tough
And if that wasn’t evil enough
We get the drunken and passionate pride
Of the citizens along for the ride
They shoot without shame
In the name of a piece of dirt
For a change of accent
Or the color of your shirt
Better the pride that resides
In a citizen of the world
Than the pride that divides
When a colorful rag is unfurled
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
I think it’s important to remember that this insanity is not sustainable – we probably won’t live long enough to see the breakdown that is inevitable… EVERYTHING CHANGES – but for those of us who are living through these difficult times it is hell.
It is hell alright, Sara… that’s for sure. 😔 And so many people supporting Hitler and Putin show you what propaganda can do to cause the mind to atrophy.
I’m not even sure it’s accurate to use “mind” in this context – what do you think?
Yes, “mind” isn’t the best description to use regarding so many that are essentially mindless. 😉
Thanks for sharing that poem – does indeed speak to current times. Good to remind ourselves that this pattern is nothing new – humanity’s been misbehaving thusly for eons. I really like the closing “the pride that divides / When a colorful rag is unfurled” (colorful rags of political yard signs up and down my urban block) – perhaps aligning with a “rag” makes it easier to confront others otherwise aligned? In fact, we are all very much alike and some amazing improvements could materialize if only we’d drop our rags and embrace one another.
Yes, Jazz, even as a kid i thought “these rags on sticks are dividing people; they are silly.” Have we evolved for the better since i was a child? Not most of us, unfortunately. And today’s current song lyrics — for the most part — attest to the superficiality that is rampant. 😔
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Hi Tom – this song and it’s messages are very timely for our shared now. I’m hoping in my lifetime we will actually learn and quit repeating the same mistakes.
Some of us may learn, but not enough of us. Like i said to Jazz above, look at today’s current songs. 😔
WOW Tom, you know, this song is truly poignant of pointing out what’s going on in our global communities. As a ruminated about the lyrics, this stood out for me:
The eyeglass in reverse
Don’t feed the people
But we feed the machines
Can’t really feel
What international means
In different circles
We keep holding our ground
Indifferent circles
We keep spinning round and round
Great share my friend! 🥰🙏🏼🤗
Thanks, Kym! I see that you perceive some real meaning in the lyrics. Your quote from the song was one of my favorite parts too. (It’s unfortunate that Neil Peart, the drummer of the group and sagacious lyric-writer, has passed.) The world is (really) a small place and we have to stop thinking in terms of “them over there” as being so different and inferior. 😔💗
AMEN Tom. You hit the nail on the head my friend. I appreciate you sharing this message with us. We try to look for some way to dissect all of this and we can’t. Inferiority complexes never settle anything except for those trying to call all of the shots for their personal gain, and doing a piss poor job at it. 🙄😣😮
Thanks, Kym. Right now, as always, the people of the world are headed in the wrong (fragmentary) direction. 🙄🥰
This song is perfect for this time well shared thanks 😊👍
Yes, thanks much, Priti! 😉 Human beings need to be looking with wholeness and togetherness, not with fragmentation and division!
You are welcome stay blessed 🤗🥰
Interesting lyrics Tom – I’ve never heard this before. It reminds me a little of the song “Ball of Confusion” by the Temptations. I like the ants losing direction too.
Thanks, Linda! 😉 Neal Peart, Rush’s drummer, wrote the lyrics. His lyrics are usually deep and meaningful (unlike so much of the superficial stuff that people are cranking out these days).
I really don’t “get” the music today to be honest.