I AM PROGRESS

This started as a rewrite of "Progress" and kind of evolved........

I AM PROGRESS hide in fear
  for nothing's safe which you hold dear
  your hopes and plans and very life
  I can ruin and fill with strife

I dam the rivers, gouge the hills
  don't hesitate at filling rills
  I make parking lots of farmers' fields
  before me, all of nature yields

You think you're safe, beyond my reach ?
  just hope you don't live on a beach
  or your home, which took such toil
  I can ruin with crude oil

The only god that counts to me
  is my one goal :to make money
  for money is the tool I use
  to rape , plunder, and abuse

Behind the law you think you'll hide
  with truth and justice on your side?
  I own the courts and judges both
  for neither of them, money loath

the Senate, House, and small town hall
  I've bought and paid for both and all
  your voice, to them, just doesn't count
  there's no resistance you can mount

The ancient tree with welcome shade
  is gone if profit's to be made
  the forests full of squirrel and deer
  I'll buy and cut until they're clear

So say goodbye to all you like
  the mountain paths you love to hike
  the streams and lakes you love to fish
  remain only if I so wish

I AM PROGRESS, worship me !
  perhaps I'll choose to let you be.....