Gadfly

he gathered in the public courts

spreading his ideas, sharing

his notions, tacking them onto fledging

wings and watching them take off,

some falling to the earth, some rising

to the clouds, some resulting

in his imminent demise, the price

of having original thoughts.

The Strange Story

the picture demonstrates a bony

man floating over a room of observers -

what story is this, featuring a naked

phantom, wizened geriatric figure,

dancing across the foreheads

of a group of distinguished guests,

the secret tawdry Dickens sequel,

featuring a streaking Marley?

Father's Boots

he listened to the whistle

of trains until he could hear

no more

he crawled on his back

under trains, across the expanse

of stony earth

so do not complain to me

about air-conditioned, pill-counting

fluorescent jobs

when I remember the weight

of his rubber boots.

 Cosmetic

she is a purple neon madness

countenance, blinking peacock

of a person, eyes closed,

while I prefer the bare skin

of truth, the honesty

of the epidermis, not bathed

in thick chemical, free, weightless

and living flesh.

Discount Store

daughter, do not put yourself

on the discount shelf so easily,

hanging the tag from your side,

putting yourself in the cardboard

bargain bin on the sidewalk,

instead see yourself as queen,

regal figure of the universe,

gracing us with your presence.

 

 JD DeHart