Palastine Ohio

In Ohio,

silver linings are toxic,

the ground is groaning,

the water is poison

and elephants are crowding the room.

Give a man a fish and he'll die.

Residents, like guinea Pigs,

take on red blotches, 

sore throats,

and watery eyes.

Rainbows have been regulated

to bleed soot.

And Norfolk Southern

thinks a friend in greed

is a friend indeed.

Money sings them to 

a restful sleep.

But the cats have left the bags

and the piper is waiting. (God willing)

This tragedy will culminate

to a grand finale...

in ten years

Author's Note

They said the air was safe at the world trade center after September 11...they were wrong then. They're wrong now about Palastine Ohio.

Reviews

[W. Barrett Munn]

Strong stuff here, Relic.
I understand the Jewish side, but I also understand the Palestinian side. The problem is no resolution can come until bothe sides choose to forego retribution.

Winston

[Relic]

You are correct about that, W. However, this refers to a train derailment in a place called Palastine Ohio. The word Palastine is actually pronounced Palasteen). Toxic chemicles were thrust into the air after a decision to let a train car explode.

Now, the town is under-going sickness and a future of possible cancers among its citizens.

You're forgiven for the mistake being you're totally accutrate.

[W. Barrett Munn]

Or totally dense. :-)

[Relic]

hahaha, No, not dense at all.

[Chris Shaw]

After an event such as this the contamination lasts for years. I have read your other responses. Responsibility should be accepted, people compensated and the clean up started in earnest. Nit holding my breath.

[Relic]

Thanks for the comment, Chris. When it comes to money and greed, no one responsible is ever reliable.

[Dave Brown]

in a black sort of way this is almost humorous
there is so much air, land and sea pollution continually occurring worldwide, that as terrible as was this event, it is just a minute drop in the bucket
nice if it could all be stopped but don't hold your breath

[Relic]

Thanks for your thoughts, Dave. I'm sure this planet is polluted as hell.

[John the Baptist]

Apparently, derailments are not that uncommon. I agree with Linda's assessment. Norfolk Southern should pick up the tab entirely.

[Relic]

I agree, John. Thanks for the read.

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

This whole event, while sad and tragic, was absolutely preventable. This is a prime example of big business being in bed with big government, creating big losses for the American people. Absolutely despicable! I understand that Norfolk Southern representatives were going door to door saying that they would test people's water for free. In exchange, people had to sign a waiver, basically eliminating their right to sue. Then, they were giving people a paltry $1,000! Norfolk Southern needs to pay for every dime of the cleanup, and they should also compensate every homeowner in that area.

Sorry ... couldn't stop myself.

Great poem!

[Relic]

I'm aware of all you've said and you're right. Greed in the way of stock buybacks and lobbyist trying to delay safety measures won over the safety of residents. Thanks for the coment, Linda.

[AYVID N]

I agree absolutely with your Author's Note. I wouldn't trust that, either. How can one be so sure there's no contamination? Ecology is extremely complex and the after effects of such disasters reverberate for years so unless the proof is in black and white, the residents should be relocated and compensated.

[Relic]

I agree, divya. Thank you for your comment.