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Open Poetry #45
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AncientHippie
Member
since 2009-10-15
Posts 411
Surfing the Cosmic Flow

0 posted 2009-11-09 03:25 PM




The motorcade,
stopping before camera crews,
and microphones,
was as incongruous
as a guffaw
at a funeral.
The surrounding buildings,
derelict and time-worn
as the few faces
peering, confused,
from mouldy doorways
and flaking windowsills,
were stark:
tones of black, white, and grey-
a dismal dream
of some forgotten battlefield.

The mayor,
cloaked with a bonhomie
born of a profound sense
of self-worth,
smiled, facing the cameras:
yes, the city had concluded
a mutually satisfying agreement
with the developer.
The area would be
reclaimed,
revitalised,
refurbished,
and released from the state of decay
into which it had fallen.

The one radical reporter
who wished to question
relocation of the low rental units,
the rehab centre,
the soup kitchens,
was swept aside
by smiling, applauding
businessmen,
anxious to escape
such unsavoury environs.    

From "Anger in the Street" series


"We are stardust:  we are golden:  and we've got to get ourselves back to the garden."  --Joni Mitchell "Woodstock"

© Copyright 2009 James D. Fanning - All Rights Reserved
Kosmic888
Junior Member
since 2009-11-01
Posts 29
Vancouver Canada
1 posted 2009-11-09 03:37 PM


This piece surely evokes strong imagery in this reader, and also a sense of frustration. The pacing is wonderful; almost felt like i was reading in slo-mo, nicely done.
Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
2 posted 2009-11-09 04:17 PM


How incredibly well you caught the atmosphere, dear Jim.

Claps on the shoulders, smiles and great words to impress the audience. No adherence to reality, just superficial fake glow to throw into blind eyes.

They already count their votes and the public money that they will "wisely use" ...

And the voice of truth and the despair of those who live in poverty as usual will be given little attention.

If there was an award available here for this kind of poetry, I would give it to you for this powerful piece.

Love,
Margherita

Poetal
Member
since 2009-11-09
Posts 74
Texas, United States
3 posted 2009-11-09 05:03 PM


Was this in New Orleans? Sounds like it. You made this seem so real I felt as though I was there watching with you as you described the scene. Good work here.

AL Inmon

passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
4 posted 2009-11-09 06:52 PM


that's the way it goes

I truly enjoy you

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
5 posted 2009-11-09 10:51 PM


Your poems are very thought provoking, Jim.
Though there are many who do not wish to confront some of these issues. There will come a time when they have no choice.
                                   Ida

AncientHippie
Member
since 2009-10-15
Posts 411
Surfing the Cosmic Flow
6 posted 2009-11-15 03:00 PM


Thank you all for sharing, and understanding my frustration.  It is long past time that we stop pandering to our politicos, letting them go on their merry way, doing only what serves them or their masters.  Sigh.
Namaste, and
Peace
Jim

"We are stardust:  we are golden:  and we've got to get ourselves back to the garden."  --Joni Mitchell "Woodstock"

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