Castles, Cathedrals, Banks and Facebook.
Castles and cathedrals –
Once so clear
Where the power lay.
Ramparts and spires
To reach up to the heavens.
Kings and Bishops
Gave way to bankers.
Mighty edifices
Towering into the sky,
Screaming power and wealth.
Now Internet giants
Wielding power to make or break,
Build their temples –
Impregnable and glassy,
Reflecting their glory.
Whoever these people may be
It is always our money used
To elevate themselves.
They peer down at us,
And reign over us.
Opher – 15.10.2020
I found it interesting walking around in Vigo Spain. The Cathedrals were beautiful and empty, the castle ramparts dilapidated, the banks had incredible facades with statues and art but were beginning to look grubby.
Once the castles and cathedrals held all the power. The Kings and Bishops vied for supremacy. The buildings were the symbols of their authority.
Now the King’s power has gone and the churches no longer hold sway over people.
The power moved to the banks. They accumulated vast wealth – sufficient to make or break nations.
But in the modern day even their wealth is small compared to that of Google, Amazon and Facebook – whose wealth and influence dwarves everyone. They influence elections and control our lives. Their headquarters are the modern-day cathedrals – screaming where the power lies.
