One Love

By Jasper “Kido” (@KidoJapa)

I hear echoes of the sermons
of Bob Marley and the Wailers,
I hear chants of the hailers
preaching in tongues
and singing along…

“One Love, One Heart,
Let’s get together and feel alright,”

But then I look around…

I hear Black Eyed Peas’ cries of despondency,
“Where is the love?”
“What is going on with the world…”
Their lyrics full of vigour and so profound
surely provoke my mind,
‘Where is the love?’
I too beg to ask,

Where is the love in this new world (dis)order?
Is it veiled in machines?
Is it rather chipped within?
Is it synced with algorithms?
Where is the love with all these technologies?
Is it part of the Artificial Insanities, the AIs,

Where is the love in this digital world?
Is it that found in tweets and pics,
Is it that shed with likes and clicks?
Is it love if joy is not the end result
or shall it be love
if the true value of joy
is hidden and disguised in memes?

Is it love that is filled in the armoured tanks?
Is it love that is found in drones?
Is it love that is spread in missiles and air strikes?
Is it love that is fought for by the combatants?
Is it love behind all the militaristic innovations?
Is it for love all the military interventions?

What is love in the modern day terms?
Is it love if it is enjoyed by the few elects
to only vaguely trickle down to the rest,
Is it love if it is experienced in extravagance,
by the ty-cons elites
lavishly living in paradise,
but such not being the fact
for the masses dwelling in frugality in the streets,

Is it love…
if it is offered as a PR stunt,
be it in the name of charity
or corporate social responsibility,
Shall it always be love…
if such deeds and acts refrains to address
the issue of wealth distribution,
advocates not about economic inclusion,
and opts not to question, the roots of poverty,

In the name of love,
I wonder…
What is love in these contemporary times,
Where is the love?
Shall it ever be alright?
Dear Bob Marley…
I wish you’d rise from peace
and answer me this…
Is One Love still the case?