THE TOMORROW DEBATE Such a long, long (or When viewed through the spectacles Of human history, such a short) Time The human spirit always hopes For better Even as the brain says “nah, Ain’t gonna happen. All the days After today are going to be More of this here now, perhaps A little different at the edges But the core always remains Essentially unchanged: Hunger must be assuaged Elimination after we eat Shelter—especially from storms— The tough search for the necessary warmth of companion hearth heart. And, of course, the production of ever sprouting offspring. That’s it, that’s all Everything else is an illusion Of progress or development or Whatever foolish term we’ve created To dress up the reoccurring Sameness that is tomorrow.” You forgot Music, my friend, music. “No, I didn’t. Music is the now There is no music tomorrow Only now, music is always Now Every generation must create It’s own music Or suffer the horror Of human silence.” —kalamu ya salaam