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Blackmail In Utopia

Two faithful souls stand listless in the great big tower 
overlooking the stranded city that once stood tall
yearning for a quiet place to lay their heads 
while far beyond the deserted land 
a soft blue light gleams gracefully above tranquil skies,
dancing shadows rocking to midnight tunes, 
and sweet melodies echoing from the gigantic moon. 

She spans more than a thousand feet long soaking
up the exhausted  earth, her immeasurable depths
cuts and carve through  valleys and streams 
with clear blue water and powdery white sand 
what more could you ask for on that distant land. 
They have been planning this trip for many years,
but when the time draws near their saving  disappears. 

An empty refrigerator with two trays of frozen ice
lean against the corner  of the kitchen
in their ten bedroom mansion
and a bare pantry exposing a slice of mildew bread 
filled with little mice nibbling  and  playing tug of war.

Not many people knew their story
they have been broke for twenty years 
but lived a painful  lie, cutting corners 
making back door transaction, 
eating lamb and turkey from profits
made from sordid deals. 

Their empire that once stood tall hangs in dismay 
While it watches the world going up in flame
by those who continue to play treacherous games.
 
Sobibor and Hiroshima horrors of the past
Should have cleared the way for a more sophisticated path
But now athoroughfare mixed with complexity 
packed with insidiousness 
have ducks walking around 
quacking without wings or tails

They finally got an offer to go to Utopia.
with packed  bags not a  penny in their name, 
they set off for Utopia hoping to find a new life again
but when they got their it was the same old begrimed game. 

Their entire world has been shaken, 
shaken by its own guilt and self-reproach, 
the transgression that their ancestors have borne
have been handed down for generations to shoulder
 
A land that they believe was pure and holy
has turned into nightmare and horror
dreadful things dismount in dark corners
women raped strangers abused
yet religion forms the core of the throne

They have witnessed empires toppled, 
Kingdoms have fallen in their sight
Rulers have shaken and wept bitterly 
causing the great big god to balance the scale
but blackmail in Utopia remains a formidable  game

                                                            ©2013 Christine Phillips

Copyright © | Year Posted 2013




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Date: 11/11/2013 1:56:00 PM
What an interesting poem! Utopia seems impossible sometimes - but there is always hope! Peace & Love Matthew Anish
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Date: 10/19/2013 6:06:00 PM
A captivating poem. Funny how history always repeats itself--it is like we never learn and make the same mistakes over again. Nicely done. love phyl
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Date: 10/18/2013 2:14:00 PM
So very true to life... I see it coming... great write.
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Date: 10/17/2013 12:19:00 PM
what we sow, we reap... a telling story that hopefully reverses it's end whiie there is still time... a most compelling work, christine; much enjoyed!..:) huggs
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Date: 10/17/2013 8:08:00 AM
Very expressive and descriptive work that you have created in this one..I feel that it is a political and social work about things that are wrong in government and society but not sure about that..I enjoyed reading this one today..Thanks for the visit to my page..You gave some great thoughts on the interpertation of my work..Sara
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Date: 10/17/2013 5:28:00 AM
About daydreaming broke couples eh. An amazing freeverse poem of with such twists. As a poetess u pen wondrfully indeed!
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Date: 10/17/2013 12:53:00 AM
Hi Christine, Nice write with an Orwellian theme.. Ken
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Date: 10/16/2013 6:28:00 AM
Wow, sad but very good imagery. Loved it
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Date: 10/16/2013 5:10:00 AM
Once an ancient Greek philosopher, EPIMENIDES his name, 7th century BC, said that "those who forget their history are condemned to repeat it." You my dear have shown how right he is! Your write captivating, your pictures vivid, your message incomparable! Excellent!
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Date: 10/15/2013 5:43:00 AM
OH! :( The title sure got my going! :) Hugs
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Book: Reflection on the Important Things