Hello, Paradise. Paradise, Goodbye.

Born on a backpacking trip into the Sierras, Hello, Paradise. Paradise, Goodbye descries the degradation of our planet and the failures of compassion, using a collage of voices erupting into eco-apocalyptic symphony. The author was cognizant, as a mineral collector, that the Western culture template for this destruction was palpable in his chest. His pack contained forty pounds of iron tools for collecting crystals. He instead brought out his notebook and began the poem.

The structure of city buildings, the degradation of our planet, injustices in social order, the global economy, and widespread lack of compassion. These aspects of Western culture are bringing the planet and all life rapidly toward disaster. Everyone knows this. Yet this planet is paradise.

We feel grief and guilt at the destruction, and these emotions are largely unacknowledged. The thread of guilt and the disordered use of our planet runs through all aspects of society. The poet follows this thread through the healthcare industry, the military, the food industry, agriculture and cattle farming, government, advertising, big pharma, the influence of the rich, and our personal relationships.

Hello, Paradise. Paradise, Goodbye is a passionate listing of both our guilt and our wishes for paradise. This is a call to observe reality. Once we accept the depth of our feeling, this is a call to action.