A Dark Age after History

 

Went downtown for a medical appointment on Thursday. I rarely go downtown. 

At Spadina and College, there is a Project Bookmark plaque on the sidewalk with a poem by Milton Acorn.

Knowing I live in a dark age before history,

I watch my wallet and

am less struck by gunfights in the avenues

than by the newsie with his dirty pink chapped face

calling a shabby poet back for his change…

And I see it has been defaced with green paint.

You know a civilization is dying when it defaces art, when it torches religious buildings and pulls down statues. This is a culture committing suicide.

Why do cultures commit suicide? For the same reason, no doubt, that people do. Because of a loss of meaning. Because people feel there is no point to anything. Except perhaps the moment’s gross physical pleasure: eat, drink, and be merry, for there is no tomorrow.

Downtown Toronto these days feels like the Cities of the Plain.