To Save the World

I wouldn't walk across the street
to save the world or the whales
said Thoreau, with monumental
humility and seeming arrogance
(how could it be other wise?)

Ok--he didn't mention whales.
But what kind of a man would
say  such a thing?

I'd cross a street & walk a mile
to save it in my own terms of
course, otherwise not worth
salvage.

Would look good on the resume;
bridges and buildings and streets
and children would be named after
me.  Statues.   And give my life
meaning.