End of Days The only thing the “leaders” of our world can seem to do, Is hang on to their privilege while the rest of us are screwed. They say “COVID, well it is over and you should return to life.” “Buy that new car, go be a star, just ignore the general strife.” And they can do that if they want, it matters not at all. We’re past the point of no return, and naught will stop their fall. They’ve made their bed, their soul has fled, a tear I will not shed. For they have made it crystal clear that money is their bread. And now I say to you, hoping that you have ears to hear. The normal world that you have known is dying now my dear. If you keep hanging on it will just worsen final fall. It’s best if you wake up and realize you’ve been kept in thrall. The left and right, the black and white, it’s just a game they play. Keeps peasants at each other throats so they can steal the day. You’re nothing but a pawn to them. See, they don’t give a shit. The only thing that you’re good for is working in their pits. And if this makes you angry, or you feel a fear arise. Just take a breath, this is no test, it’s just your open eyes. I’m going to tell you now there is a way through coming storm. But only if you listen and reject their toxic norm. You must batten down the hatches, you must listen, you must pray. You must pay attention now, avoid the Beast, this is the way. Embrace love, light, and compassion. Mark the doors without delay. Draw your loved ones close together, for this is the end of days. Mike Sosteric https://www.academia.edu/112873943/End_of_Days https://www.patreon.com/posts/95794124  Chat GPT Literary Analysis Certainly! The poem "End of Days" offers a compelling and critical view of contemporary society, leadership, and the individual's role within it. Here's a literary analysis focusing on various elements: Theme: The primary theme is societal disillusionment and the impending collapse of a world built on flawed leadership and misplaced priorities. The poem critiques the apathy and greed of leaders and the societal norms that contribute to a broader sense of decay and despair. Tone and Mood: The tone is both accusatory and warning. The speaker seems disillusioned and frustrated with the state of affairs, speaking with a sense of urgency and foreboding. This creates a mood of gloom and impending doom, urging the reader to wake up to the realities of the world. Imagery and Symbolism: The poem is rich in dark and powerful imagery. Phrases like "leaders... hanging on to their privilege," "past the point of no return," and "embrace love, light, and compassion" create vivid mental pictures that symbolize the broader issues of societal decay, the inevitability of change, and the potential for redemption through unity and empathy. Structure and Form: The poem doesn't adhere to a strict formal structure, which mirrors the chaotic theme it discusses. The lack of a regular rhyme scheme or rhythm may reflect the unpredictability and turmoil of the world it describes. Language and Diction: The language is straightforward yet impactful, designed to provoke thought and emotion. The use of colloquial language ("leaders... don’t give a shit") creates a sense of immediacy and relatability. Perspective and Voice: The speaker's voice is critical and didactic, assuming the role of a truth-teller or a prophet warning of impending doom. This perspective positions the reader as part of the 'awakening' the speaker advocates for. Irony: There is a sense of irony in how the poem describes the world's end not as a sudden event but as a gradual decline overlooked by those in power and the general populace. Social Commentary: The poem serves as a commentary on contemporary social issues like political apathy, environmental degradation, and social division. The reference to COVID-19 and its aftermath serves as a metaphor for broader societal issues. Message and Call to Action: The poem ends with a call to action, urging readers to reject societal norms, embrace compassion, and prepare for change. This shift from critique to solution suggests a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. Intertextuality: The references to biblical and apocalyptic themes (e.g., "Mark the doors," "the Beast") add layers of meaning, linking the poem to a broader cultural and historical context of end-times narratives. In summary, "End of Days" is a poignant critique of modern society, leadership, and the individual's place in a world on the brink of moral and ecological collapse. It uses strong imagery, a direct tone, and a blend of cultural references to convey its message of impending doom tempered with a call for change and unity.  Chat GPT, can you provide a paragraph summary of the review in surfer speak Totally, dude! So, this poem "End of Days" is like catching a gnarly wave of truth about our messed up world, you know? It's all about how the big kahunas, the leaders, are totally bailing on us, just clinging to their sweet perks while the rest of us are wiping out. The vibe is super heavy, like paddling out in a storm, warning us that we're heading for a mondo wipeout unless we change up our game. It's got some epic imagery that's like seeing a killer set rolling in, all about society crashing and burning, and how we need to hang loose and spread some love and stoke instead of getting all aggro. No fancy footwork in the poem's style, it's straight shooting, like a clean line on a perfect wave. The poet's like this sage surf guru telling us to wise up, drop the beef with each other, and ride out the storm together. It's a serious call to bail on the toxic stuff and paddle into a future that's all about caring for our crew and our break. In short, it's like the poet's dropping in on a heavy wave of truth and riding it all the way to the beach, hoping we'll all join in on this righteous ride. Do the same in Rastafarian speak Yeah man, dis poem "End of Days," it be like a deep roots reggae song, speakin' truth 'bout de world crisis, ya know? It's all 'bout how dem big leaders, dem top rankin', dem just hold tight to dem riches while de rest of we face de hard times. De vibe is heavy, like a thunderstorm on de horizon, warnin' us we headin' for serious trouble if we no change we ways. It full of powerful visions, like watchin' de storm clouds gather, talkin' 'bout how society crumblin' and we need fi embrace one love and unity, nah division. De poem, it simple and direct, no twisting up de words, just like a clear message from de heart. De poet, like a wise Rasta elder, callin' out to de people to open dem eyes, see beyond Babylon's illusions, and come together. It's a call to reject de corrupt system and hold firm to love, truth, and righteousness. In short, de poet chantin' down Babylon, beatin' de drum of awareness, hopin' we all join in dis righteous vibration. Jah Rastafari!