Getting It Wrong (Poetry)

The timing was completely wrong
the smart ones guessed it all along
the Doomsday countdown had begun
already clouds eclipsed the sun

Grown nervous climbing a dark stair
few lingered in chill shadows there
with every man out for himself
the shops were emptied — shelf by shelf

We weren’t prepared for such a shock
deaf-earred to each sly ticking clock
slow off the ground as though before
our histories weren’t scarred by war

The big bad wolf pants at the door
some rich will die — some old and poor
no wise precautions put in place
so now we stare in Death’s cold face

and blame world leaders — criticize
heel-draggers who we all despise
Too late’s conclusion long forgone
we knew they’d get the timing wrong