Tonight we'll begin the process of survival,
Of taming marshes and jungles, and building a levee
Suitable to irrigate our village, provide a climate
Good enough for our grandchildren to settle.
Whatever the process, the way up will be difficult,
But the way down, more precarious, full of dried grass
And sterile soil. We'll hear both scientist and priest
When they offer suggestions for the herders.
When the black bearded merchant speaks, we'll be eager
To listen to the method he suggests for rimming the valley,
And be patient as he rambles on about population density.
No one will condemn you if you collapse
In the arid heat, as long as your efforts
To upset the present condition are full of courage,
And you stay not long on your knees.
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