Apostasy

O Beloved Country, you have coerced my mangled oath of fealty;
forced my obedience; dictated my fashion; and tugged at the leash
on my neck. O Brutal Hands, that hold that line; whisper treason
with my nighest infraction; demand that I hold my rifle high;

O Unrending Heart, that does not feel my cardboard targets;
O Unhearing Ears, that will never hear otherwise:

This is apostasy to my faith; never to be consoled nor reconciled.


cuRRent...jer  ¶ 11:04 am

  Fragile

1.

As I raced across the evening seas, it never occurred
to me that the entire galaxy of stars could glitter: just
for one. The night had a lilt to the wave; the wave

had a hold to my heart. It felt like a joyride on the
swing; going somewhere but nowhere- like you
had never aged beyond six- only to flirt with
the wind brushing against your face.

2.

The boat was almost indolent; going gentle into the
goodnight; till we decided to chase an airplane-
spewed by the moon; a splitting entrance- to my

crystal nightskies. And when we caught him,
I was awed. His lights were winking at me:
inviting me to fly along with him. I had to
disappoint; for I had no wings of my own.

3.

The waters were wide; the waters are narrowing:
the seas have been split; our human forces have
ridden on it- from one fragile land to another.

I looked to the horizon as my languid and tired feet
performed a touchdown; on home: there is only
emptiness before my shoes. I yearn not land;
but for the seas; the stars; and the skies.


cuRRent...jer  ¶ 3:56 pm