What Burden?

Who's white burden?
Who owes who?
When black beads are traded
     For white islands?
Baptismal death exchanged
     For Incan gold?

We smugly point
At false myths
Of Great White Gods we seek
     Strength to fulfill,
To aid the darkened, meek,
     and beastly mind.

Who's white burden?
Who owes who?
When vulturous strangers
     Harvest up all
Resources of others
     For our white use.

We smugly point
At our god,
A Great God in our image.
     Who speaks to us.
Payment to Him, homage,
     And convert them.

Who's white burden?
Who owes who?
Our God destroys with pity
     In fair battle.
We rebuilt their city
     In our image.

Who is the better?
Who is worse?
Cultural apparent
     Of our white ways.
We are as an infant
     To their wizened sage.

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