What did you do once you knew?

It's 3:23 in the morning
and I'm awake
because my great, great, grandchildren
won't let me sleep
my great, great, grandchildren ask me in dreams
what did you do, while the planet was plundered?
what did you do, when the earth was unravelling?
surely you did something when the seasons started failing
as the mammals, reptiles, and birds were all dying?
did you fill the streets with protest when democracy was stolen?
what did you do
once
you
knew?

— from "hieroglyphic stairway" by Drew Dellinger