The whole world searches fervently
for rich White people trapped in a submarine
exploring the corpse of the Titanic,
another rich White people disaster.  

Rich or poor, each of us shares their fear.  

Temperature at the bottom of the sea
is cold as the shoulder turned to those
who breathe their own thoughts and prayers
and try not to implode.  

Here’s an exercise in imagination.  

Alter the attributes of those in peril
by race, wealth, nationality, gender,
politics, religion, whatever comes to mind,
and compare subtle differences in your gut.  

That will tell you a little about yourself.  

Then do it again, and in each case,
visualize the assets and attention
rushing to aid, or kneeling to mourn,
and where and how they emerge.  

That will tell you a little about the world.