Cost

I snarl, bite and twist
tearing truth from rigid lips
cracked by virulent vapors
the kindling of Jesus’ manger
burning like a rancid piece of meat
diseased depravity tossed at hungry, mottled feet
as homeless children scour for a glass of truth
drinking from gourmet gutter water
polluted by profitable wonders
like sound proof autos
equipped with directions to political fundraisers
which promise compassion under a Chablis chuckle
So is ambivalence ambition’s bane
languishing like an innocuous acid rain
stinging Aids victims who are wasting without sleep
offering them a cheaper mortgage rate
as CEO’s build a better GNP
numbers sold to edify the American dream
suburbia draped in red, white and blue
never colorblind, merely imbued
like picket fences, family values, and barbeques
that perhaps someday it could be me and you
whether fighting tyranny here or abroad
sacrificing for the most worthy cause
that you’re never truly a patriot
until you pay the cost
Copyright © | Year Posted 2006

Poem

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Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace