Gary Beck/Blunt Force
Undesired Devices
Terror hovers in the air,
as people go about
normal routines,
some concerned
with enemy threats,
some indifferent,
others oblivious
until detonations
loudly demand
they share danger.
Clumsy Giant
Now that we've left Iraq
violent disorder
pervades the land
the inheritance of chaos
democratic gifts,
of death, destruction,
courtesy of the invaders
who removed Saddam
to free his people
from tyranny,
replacing oppression,
giant statues, palaces,
with looting, blood feuds,
assassinations,
the struggle for power
in the void of dictatorship,
religious intolerance,
bitter tribal conflicts,
as Americans wonder
why Iraqis are not grateful
for the freedom
we gave them
to kill each other.
Genetic Disorder
Desire makes us want
what we cannot have.
Ambition makes us crave
getting more than others.
Driven by ego, greed, lust,
we commit immoral acts
for wealth, power, influence,
to be more important
than fellow citizens
not equipped by nature
for ruthless competition.
Protest III
Disruptions
of financial markets
are not appreciated
by hired servants
of the lords of profit
indifferent to the suffering
of those who lost homes, jobs
since the closing of factories,
departure of industry
leaving millions to rust away,
of no redeeming value
to the caste of privilege
who won't allow interference
with platinum comforts.
Unnatural Existence
Millions course unyielding streets
fractured by pavements
accepting as natural
artificial construction,
population constriction
of dwellings, labor
that does not produce
nourishment
for city residents,
contrivances
that enrich the few,
demand toil from many
for meager reward,
the history of mankind
repeated endlessly,
now occurring
in the declining U.S.A.
Blunt Force is an unpublished collection that delves into many issues and concerns of our times.
