Are we still trying?

Are we still trying
to convince each other?
Is it cynical
to describe what’s there?
Do we need
to be condemned
to life, behind a podium?
Fielding questions
from no-one, in particular
Eyes, wide
minds, stuffed like cannons
aligned, broadside
ready to point out the obvious
Two flags
and only one will be left waving
Celebrated
and carried off
on a sea of empty chairs