Gaza Suite
Asymmetrical
The natural world can irritate—
a red wasp's sting, the bite of a flea,
the afternoon sun in your eyes
when you must travel west.
It takes the human world, though,
to really piss you off
or drive you into exile out of fear.
Here Lately
Hope's feathered wings are caught
and pinned by talons of the hawk.
Her flutters and cries go unnoticed
so enamored are we all of the hook-
beaked predator's cunning prowess.
Collateral Damage
The building intends
no harm. It intends only our
protection, comfort, and prosperity.
The young dove
chases the grasshopper
into the high glass of the north wall.
It squats now
on the concrete drive,
stunned, with rapid, shallow breath.
Incapable of anything
but pity, we watch and wait
for it to either fly away or die.
Sustainable Sacrifice
Tender bodies sizzle on the grill.
Gods feast well on succulent children
offered up by men assured that, should
supplies run low, new ones can be quickly
made to keep divinities fulfilled.
The natural world can irritate—
a red wasp's sting, the bite of a flea,
the afternoon sun in your eyes
when you must travel west.
It takes the human world, though,
to really piss you off
or drive you into exile out of fear.
Here Lately
Hope's feathered wings are caught
and pinned by talons of the hawk.
Her flutters and cries go unnoticed
so enamored are we all of the hook-
beaked predator's cunning prowess.
Collateral Damage
The building intends
no harm. It intends only our
protection, comfort, and prosperity.
The young dove
chases the grasshopper
into the high glass of the north wall.
It squats now
on the concrete drive,
stunned, with rapid, shallow breath.
Incapable of anything
but pity, we watch and wait
for it to either fly away or die.
Sustainable Sacrifice
Tender bodies sizzle on the grill.
Gods feast well on succulent children
offered up by men assured that, should
supplies run low, new ones can be quickly
made to keep divinities fulfilled.
An endless story indeed. *
There are no winners, only users. Great poem. *
There are no winners, only losers. Great poem. *
Oh, Gary! This is stunning work. I have in the past written unsuccessfully about the stuff in Sustainable Sacrifice. You've nailed is. I only wish we wouldn't have to write on topics like these. Your fine intelligence in these pieces dazzles. *
Powerful, Gary. Each section is direct and necessary. Strong work.
What Sam said.*
In truth, I found these to be a little heavy handed, except for Asymmetrical, which I enjoyed very much.
Enjoyed all of this. That last one, especially apt.*
For some now-forgotten reason I was feeling a tad smirky when I started reading this. Sobered me right up, it did. Heavy-hitting stuff. *
You have CONTROL over your poems. Mastery, too. *
Not only one, but four terrible pieces, terrible in splendor.
I appreciate all the comments and insights.
Insightful, hard-hitting truth. That last one particularly poignant with all the shit going on in the world right now. *
Thank you, Charlotte.