RECITED MEMO

If I could rewind to when
my father stayed at the clinic
in Marblehead to be lifted down
from breaking off berserk

from alcohol, I would flow
backwards and record each word
uttered in hysteric, assured tones;
he talked as if trapped.

Of course he was;
plate glass,
smoked rain,
iris, retina, lens.

Window pane.

THE LAST PICNIC

Dare to tell
the truth

and you

they will
crucify.

Within this
equation

mixed with

deceit lies
the lie.

In silence it begins
to fertilize.

Returned

from beyond
shed of flesh

the naked dead
walk again.

Mistaking our saviour

for someone else
the cycle begins

anew. Keep the truth
to yourself

Share with no one

All eyes rise
to skies so blue.

RETURN TO SENDER

Frozen in abject terror
Flowing through imbedded roots
Skin curling blackened away
Reveals red raw ruin
Where once was a mask
Never a face
Feel the wind for
The very first time
Then, season the silence
With a sigh,
Cut out your own tongue,
And hand it to the head of state,
On a white napkin,
On a china plate.
Bow halfway with feigned good grace;
This has explained such gifts
As a voice are a waste.

RECYCLED & ABUSED

Usurper. Contaminant.
Continues the domain
by the minute of the ant.
Certain sovereignty.
Magnified to burn away
self reflective memories.
We divide and turn astray.
Tyrants are replaced far away.
Live each day a mutant.
Beware the sun.
Each thumb is a man.
Being an army of one.
Try to understand
Any world leader isn't dumb.
Rather, it is we who are,
I mean mute. Like ants,
industrious. In peace
we rust, trust me,
they're not all like us.
What am I saying?
You tell me. Usurper.
Contaminant. Commandant.
But make it brief.
You got a ship to run.
...or do you?
(What is it you want?)