Evening News
The unbearable world was particularly unbearable
last night, the evening news a nightmare recalled by
the fortunate son with earnest eyes and straight teeth.
Woman screams for help at neighbor’s front door/
boyfriend is too quick/drags her away by her hair.
Zoo visitor jumps fence to stand in lion’s den/
dares to mock the reigning king of faux jungle.
Adult walks through school parking lot/keys the
Tesla equipped with cameras/police have it on tape.
And another day on Capitol Hill where the elect-ed
look for their reflections in mirrors but find nothing.
I channel Charlie Brown when he cracks on stage:
Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?
The anchor commands the camera with one last story.
Vet learns of fellow vet who will be laid to rest alone.
Vet sounds alarm: Good man down, come and mourn.
America the beautiful bands together and arrives in
droves to stand at the tomb of the unknown brother.
Anchor knows it is not enough. But it is enough for now.
Thank you for joining me. I’ll see you back here tomorrow.
sounds about right
Love! I saw the post announcing that the veteran had no close family and then the later news story that his funeral ended up well-attended. And felt relief. A little. Thank you for keeping the idea alive beyond a news cycle.
4 parts grief mingled with 1 part love is still a bitter drink, but these days, it is enough to keep me going––barely. Thank you for voicing what so many of us feel.
Grateful
A remarkable poem. Heartbreaking and hopeful.
The news feels like an assault. It helps to know others feel it .
This is profound. It reminds me of this by Simon and Garfunkel: https://youtu.be/E8d5C8kPlJA. Thank you.
Nice to see you back in the poetry business, my friend. Thank you.
This speaks to my heart also broken for the world.