Newberry Library, Chicago
Despite the digital holocaust
of computers and cell phones,
Newberry Library remains
the Vatican of books
with the right sounds,
a cough now and then,
a page turning, while out
on the street a beggar
asks for spare change.
Workers with none walk away.
Donal Mahoney
The World in the Year 3000
There are pockets
of them everywhere,
quiet and discreet.
Usually they meet
once a week
in private homes
in basements
some call catacombs.
Depending on the group
a minister will preach,
a priest say Mass
a rabbi teach.
Elsewhere you will find
a mosque on almost
every street.
Donal Mahoney
Con Man Willy
Still a con man
but bewildered now.
Spent his life
screwing people,
rich and poor alike.
Never discriminated.
Made millions
he tucked away
in stocks and bonds
and foreign banks.
A few gold bars
under the mattress
for emergencies.
He’s dying now,
a shrill curse
his final gasp.
No plea for mercy.
One might think
death would be
a con man’s finest hour,
a last chance to cut
the biggest deal.
But Willy loves Sinatra.
He's proud as hell
he’s done it
his way.
Donal Mahoney
We often fall short,
say the dwarfs.
It’s the way we are.
Don’t make a big deal
of it, say the giants.
Happens to us too.
Can’t see the problem,
say the blind.
What do you mean?
Please repeat that,
say the deaf.
Get to the point.
Have nothing to add,
say the mute.
Can't comment.
But each candidate
brings answers for all
every four years.
Donal Mahoney
