Reflections On a Collection of Pickled Specimens

Men of affairs, scientists, gentlemen collectors,
researchers, technicians, plankton detectors.
Ladies, when permitted, provided manful help
Wading shorelines intrepidly for variegated kelp.

Be-whiskered men off charted shores 
their Science to be applied. 
From blindest depths defy stern jaws 
to reveal a great divide. 
Thus predate all faith - shift their cores – 
expecting the spring tide.

Knowing their names, seeking their protection. 
Categorised, specified, a literal dissection. 
Must now each specimen elders plucked, and carefully
selected, 
be hidden forever, politically corrected?

Dead-eyed and soaked, deep in their jars. 
Pickled in formaldehyde.
Gentleman, killer? The choice is yours, 
Think well before you decide.
Is the Creator of countless stores
Dr. Jekyll or Mister Hyde?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2007

Poem

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