Get Your Premium Membership

Gulf Oil Spill.

Fox news. Fair and balanced: “ We now take you live…” MSNBC. The place for politics. “You are looking at a live shot…” CNN. The world turns to CNN. “This breaking news just in…” The President: “You should know that I’m trying, straining so hard. As I squint down at the gobs of petroleum lard. The last guy was clueless I won’t act like him. I’m cool and aloof and won’t act on a whim.” The American Public: “Never mind who. Never mind how. End this debacle. Do something now.” The CEO: “Let me say this right now, that we’re trying our best. All our global resources have been put to the test. I truly feel all your pain as I speak here to you. As I have stated before, I want my life back, too.” The Environmentalists: “Do anything! Anyone! May you burn twice in Hell! So smug and superior! Cap the damned well!” The Press: “We’re on this story, we’ll report, you decide! And 24/7, non stop coverage, we’ll provide! Keeping them honest, we’re the network news. We want those ratings, Bring in our panel for views.” A resident of the Gulf Coast: “Yes, your pictures are priceless And your words are like pearls. I live here and fish here. It’s the end of my world.” A Pelican: “I wear petrified slop as I adorn your news. Once a fisher, a flyer, now shackled in ooze. And I did nothing but live. Look me in the eye. Why did you kill me? For what did I die?” His Mate: “Do you care how you forage? Or do you ravage, instead? Let your greed in your claws Be all lathered with lead.”

Copyright © | Year Posted 2010




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 6/10/2010 6:30:00 PM
So sad a news story and I think you really attacked it well!!! Very nice work. Andrea
Login to Reply
Date: 6/10/2010 1:04:00 PM
Well, got a chuckle, a tear, and a oh no from deep within...Keep the creative pen flowing..Sara
Login to Reply
Date: 6/8/2010 9:38:00 AM
Enjoyed reading your poetry this morning Gerard. Have a beautiful day. Wishing you the best in the contest. Great prizes. Love, Carol
Login to Reply
Date: 6/8/2010 7:43:00 AM
Your poem says it all.....I give this an A+.... !
Login to Reply
Date: 6/7/2010 8:51:00 PM
Caught it all in your poem. I laughed and winced, ending by feeling sad. Right now fit in with the may you burn in hell group, hope to get out of that feeling with some good news. This rated 7 to me. If in contest good luck.
Login to Reply
Date: 6/7/2010 7:53:00 PM
Very interesting way of entering this for the contest. It is for the contest. I hope, enjoyed have a good one,..Sidney LeeAnn
Login to Reply
Date: 6/7/2010 7:41:00 PM
Perfect, Gerard! You gave us many different perspectives on the oil spill and I believe each is right on target. Please consider me one of the "environmentalists" who just wants the spill to be capped and the damage cleaned...by anyone! Just do it now! We're looking at potential ghost towns here on the Gulf coast. Awesome poem. I'd give it #1 if I were judging. Love, Carolyn
Login to Reply

Book: Shattered Sighs