how an empire ends

Ode to Habakkuk

What a book is Habakkuk,
By the minor prophet of that name,
3rd last in the 1st part of the Book of books;
Times like his and ours seem the same.

He saw the rise of Babylon;
We, the American Empire.
To the watchtower he took his concern.
We still can take ours to our spire.

In the a face of violence
And economic disparity
God told him have patience:
All eventually pay for severity.

Their culture trapped people on hooks.
How many are hooked today?
They didn’t value life.
Now question right to life, lots say.

God showed him Babylonians' falls,
“He comes with the brightness of lightning;…” – note 1
“…and there is no herd in the stalls,” – note 2
The Tribulation of America is frightening!

All prophets were persecuted.
“…For its maker trusts in what has been made,…” - note 3
Christians get a bad rap.
“…let everyone on earth be silent in his presence.” - note 4

Notes
1 – Habakkuk 3:4 TEV
2 – Habakkuk 3:17 NRSV
3 – Habakkuk 2:18 NRSV
4 – Habakkuk 2:20 TEV