Wednesday, June 4, 2014

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

Helpless I do not know if good intentions prevail among the elected, among the appointed, leaving me apprehensive that the fate ...