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Shut-Down City

On asphalt, wet with blood and sweat (down streets with no address), there lay a man, snuffed by the Man and left to evanesce. The Man then strode along the road and smiled at his success and, cavalier, he bought a beer, sat down to decompress. A life was gone, but day wore on, the sun awash in heat – the riddled head no longer bled, concealed beneath a sheet, and passers-by began to cry, were sobbing indiscreet’, while holy bells in distant hells began to moan and bleat. In heaven's eyes (no one denies) due process is decreed, but down below, where burdens flow, it rarely can succeed and certainly not for those distraught, benighted in their need, so Men in blue (you know the crew) thought nothing of the deed. Though just eighteen, a little green (was still his mama's son!), adored by all, but left to sprawl in webs of hate, undone, the youth was shot and left to rot, but never held a gun, so people cried and wondered why'd the evil deed been done. The sheriff said "forget the dead, his crime was black as slate" and in the rush to hush and shush, he hissed "I'll tell you straight, that boy, today, was on his way to rendezvous with fate, so now you know – I gotta go, it's gettin' kinda late". Not satisfied with those who'd lied, some took to fill the streets with peaceful cries neath blackened skies, were paid with clubbed retreats, cruel gas cascades and stun grenades, then days in jailhouse suites – though curfew's on from dusk till dawn, each night this scene repeats. With exits barred, in came the Guard to rumble and repress, for people stray both night and day in search of some redress. The city's scarred, the houses charred, the locals in distress – with cut or bruise, they still refuse to kneel or acquiesce. So choppers fly above the sky with whirling, twirling blades and drones in flight within the night erase the renegades. The tarot cards and crystal shards reveal the masquerades – the beating parts of diamonds’ hearts forever club the spades. Now puppet Pols are making calls and acting out charades (like shouting loud within the crowd, and marching in parades), while underneath, where lies a wreath, the hope for justice fades. Yet, freedom waits behind the gates, beyond the barricades. 25 Aug 2014

Copyright © | Year Posted 2014




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Date: 9/19/2014 3:18:00 PM
Oh, you gave me chills with this one. A fine dedication.
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 9/20/2014 1:54:00 PM
Thank you, Dan... It's a chilling situation... I'm happy I could reflect the chills...
Date: 9/12/2014 11:00:00 AM
Really, really excellent write Terry. Perfect rhymes, and powerful story flow. I only wish someone would write about the dozens of murders that go unheeded in Chicago and other cities on a daily basis.
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 9/20/2014 1:55:00 PM
Thank you, Jim... There is so much injustice in the world, it's hard to know where to start!!
Date: 9/4/2014 2:33:00 AM
A super-awesome write Terry rated and enjoyed. Verlena
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 9/9/2014 9:15:00 AM
Thank you for your kind words, Verlena! I'm happy you enjoyed... Terry
Date: 8/31/2014 7:14:00 PM
It was such a pleasure reading you after a long time, congrats,Terry.
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 9/9/2014 9:14:00 AM
Thank you very much! (I don't have too much time at the present for writing stuff...)
Date: 8/31/2014 12:53:00 PM
Dear Terry, I wish your poem would be printed for all to see. What a wonderful writing style you employ to convey feelings about this tragedy. Justice seems to sleep in Missouri, but many of us are outraged. And how true it is the politicians seize every chance to "parade" and gain public favor. A very powerful poem, Terry! It goes to my faves. Thank you for your kind comment on my Native American poem. Love and blessings, Carolyn
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 9/9/2014 9:12:00 AM
I didn't know John had participated... I'll have to send a few words of praise...
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 9/9/2014 9:09:00 AM
Thank you, Carolyn!!! Unfortunately too many in humane/inhuman things like this happen in the 'Land of the Free', going back to the Native Americans, to the present, and (incomprehensibly) probably into the (distant?) future... And not only 'here', but (everywhere??) elsewhere, and not only in the 'recent' past, but even before... Loive, Terry
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 8/31/2014 12:54:00 PM
By the way, Soup member John Loving was among those who marched to show support for the grieving family.
Date: 8/30/2014 8:51:00 AM
I m extremely sorry for the typo error in ur name Terry !
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 9/9/2014 9:03:00 AM
No need for apologies!!! I've been called worse... ;-)) Terry
Date: 8/30/2014 8:50:00 AM
Awesome write Teddy! A deserved rhythmic winner, subject chosen is fabulous, reminds of the movie enemy at the gates! Congrats on huge win!
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 9/9/2014 9:01:00 AM
Thank you, Upma... I'm glad you liked it... Terry
Date: 8/29/2014 7:04:00 PM
Very well written, Terry; you gave us all a gripping picture of your perspective. Congratulations.
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 9/9/2014 9:00:00 AM
Thank you, Faye... I'm happy you were 'gripped'... ;-)) Terry
Date: 8/29/2014 7:00:00 PM
I'm not always a fan of rhyme, but when it's done as well as this I really appreciate it, and not only end rhyme but internal rhyme, too! it's an impressive, hard hitting poem, with great flow - congrats on your win in my contest :)
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 9/9/2014 8:58:00 AM
Thank you, Charlotte, for your winning placement of my work! And thanks also for your kind words... Terry
Date: 8/29/2014 6:37:00 PM
Hi Terry, what an intense poem, dark with description. I do believe you could write a novel.......but somehow this is so true to life, I can't help but wonder if it is based on a true event? You took us there! Well done!
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 9/9/2014 8:56:00 AM
Thank you, Carrie... yes, "it is based on a true event"... sadly :-(( Terry
Date: 8/25/2014 8:33:00 PM
a brilliant poem, terry, with some killer internal rhyme. i am truly impressed by your skills as evidenced in this really amazing piece of writing...
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 8/27/2014 1:40:00 PM
Thank you, Ilene! Your kind words are very flattering... lovin' it--- Terry
Date: 8/25/2014 9:53:00 AM
This is very powerful and very well written. You have a very good sense of quality rhyme, and an excellent presentation for your message. Very nice. Jim
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Terry O'Leary
Date: 9/9/2014 8:52:00 AM
Thank you, Jim... I'm happy the message is understood... Terry

Book: Shattered Sighs