momentary lapse

my mind is a barren cage

from which my canaries have taken flight

to sing for more fulfilling grains

than what i cast tonight

my heart is an empty vessel

from which inspiration has been drained

pricked in fearing my expectancy

that drought precedes the rain

my page is absent meaning

mere transparency on display

in cliché images as definitions

summing the nothing i loathe to say

alas

my life is full of these moments

and often times others with riches

nevertheless i still feel frustrated

by these economically challenged glitches

September 14, 2004, NYC

new american

Shadows of wings

of missile-clad, military aircraft

fly across the wet reflections

of my human

on the shower floor.

I sigh at what they’re there for.

Black box static

in rich american technicolor:

“deTHpiKable acts, no mercy”

segregates me

from my planet, Earth.

I mourn for Sylvester’s bird.

Shower drops fall

with tears of empathy for my brothers:

friend, partner, kinfolk, lover who

jumped like lab rats

from the guillotine.

I repent my brother’s sin.

My Soul cries out

in pain for humanity, the end near.

My terrified child, bound and gagged,

wriggles escape.

He stands and preaches.

I listen to his teachings:

“Break from shower

shadows! Flush the black box and dry away

your woes! Take from me your wings. To

them give new life.

Set our angel free;

Be strong, feel love, show mercy!”

October 14, 2001, NYC