afterwards

afterwards

 

"rebuild the sun with shards of cold light

gathered from twinkles in the eyes

of the dead."

 

the prophecy is more artistic and less

utilitarian.

 

this war is like punching yourself in the face

repeatedly

to prove a point made by someone else;

a point you’re not even sure of.

 

collect charred bones and chunks

of concrete.

it’s more scavenging than recycling.

 

wish I could remember an episode

of my favorite TV show,

or a line from a funny movie

to break the strobe light tension.

 

tell me-

what was wrong with Britney

Spears again?

 

it’s a better game than

“What’s For Dinner?”

 

Big Macs were so good.

and, oh God, I miss soft drinks,

hard drinks, even fruity drinks.

thirst is less uncomfortable

once your tongue turns white.

 

the siren again!

get the kids!

everybody in the cellar!

 

it’s time for a pop song

sing-a-long.

 

Purple Rain or

Slim Shady?

 

no honey,

that was just thunder.

 

that third step is a little

loose.

 

watch your head.

Reviews

[OT]

I love how you almost home in from an ethereal aerial image almost to the lone family - get the kids! - you twist light and dark in a phantasmic dance - I wonder if your pained diet is playing a role here? haha oh those fizzy drinks - this reads like one on a hot day!! nice, nice, nice!! love the first three lines!

[Kerry O'Connor]

Brrrrr! Cold shiver.
There is something about this narrative which terrifies me: whether the glimpse it affords of the mediocrity of suburban family life, or the suggestions of a mind which is beginning to unhinge from the reality of others...

[J.M]

Odd how so many things are utterly oxymoronic - like this poem, grimly depressing and beautiful. Fantastic idea and superbly portrayed. The metaphors and the vivd yearning for normality were brilliantly portrayed. Great poem!