In a Crumbling Empire

I wake up in a crumbling empire, 
my taxes funding atrocities. 
Hopefully I can keep some of my money,
to at least pay bills and buy groceries. 

The world is surely burning,
and some of my countrymen with it. 
I'm unable to bring it to an end.
I'm unwillingly complicit. 

Living in a collapsing empire, 
I hope I make it to work on time. 
I had to get a second job.
I'm told the economy is doing fine. 

The world is still burning, 
the dollar's value turns to ash. 
They'll say we can fix it, but
we'll need to get rid of cash. 

Life in a flailing empire,
where you pay for the privilege,
to drive a car you already own; 
to have any control of your existence. 

The world continues burning, 
as the mask falls off our dystopia.
And people are starting to notice,
what is really going on.

The empire may be dying, 
but it's not dead yet. 
They say a cornered animal,
becomes a bigger threat. 

The world is on fire, 
and no one's coming to save us. 
If we don't extinguish it ourselves,
the flames will overtake us. 

The empire's eyes are open.
We remain in its gaze. 
Be careful how you think, 
and watch what you say. 

The fire's constant burning,
as the world is consumed. 
Murder, death, destruction,
an endless scroll of doom. 

The empire's breath is shallow,
but it's still gasping for some air. 
It would kill us all to get some,
and never think to care. 

The world is engulfed, 
and constantly on fire. 
This is our life,
in a crumbling empire.

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