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A World of Belligerent Men

by Max Bouillet

Her back evolved into pavement
and belligerent men
drove streetlights into her spine
so they could tread on her
day and night.

Some brought drill-bits and shovels
and would drill
through blood and sinew
hoping they would strike her soul
and sell her spirit in bottles
to those that had need of one.

Before long,
her frame began to fold
and she bore a nation
on her fragile flesh.

I know because
I would stray from the pavement
journey to her eyes,
drink in her tears,
and pretend
(for just one moment)
that I was important.

06/17/2005

Posted on 06/18/2005
Copyright © 2024 Max Bouillet

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Michelle Angelini on 06/18/05 at 01:56 AM

Max, I identified so much with the words & emotions used here - only I subbed a man in place of a woman. Whoa...now I will think about this one for awhile.
~Chelle~

Posted by Ashok Sharda on 06/19/05 at 03:41 PM

Yes, this is 'A World of Belligerent Men' and she will suffer in any image, mother Earth or mother Nature, or mother country or in any individual role. Our actions is what will stop her from crying tears and not words or pretentions.

Posted by Glenn Currier on 06/19/05 at 11:50 PM

I love the title. It speaks the truth. Although my mind has lingered momentarily on the edges of the terrain you paint, I have never gotten the words to express it so powerfully as you have. I have walk the pavement in my neighborhood and watch the developers nearby raze the trees and underbrush, displacing rabbits and armadillo to godknowswhere. I supress my grief to godknowswhere. But you have amply expressed it godknows-here. Superb. Not enough superlatives for this one, Max.

Posted by Graeme Fielden on 06/20/05 at 12:05 AM

Strong images and a powerful message in this fine-penned work, Br. Max. Another masterpiece!

Posted by Christina Bruno on 06/20/05 at 02:24 PM

excellent metaphor here, its sad seeing people you care for being stepped on..or ran over for that matter

Posted by Felicia Aguilar on 06/22/05 at 07:19 PM

The metaphor in this is brilliant. I keep re-reading this and every time I see something new contained within. Wonderful use of language and description!

Posted by Morgan D Hafele on 06/30/05 at 04:17 AM

amazing! this is one i'm going to keep coming back to.

Posted by Michelle Angelini on 07/15/05 at 07:48 AM

CONGRATULATIONS ON POTD!
~Chelle~

Posted by Mara Meade on 07/15/05 at 01:08 PM

I'm absolutely awe-stricken. Congrats on POTD, yes, but above all... what a poem, what a concept. This is on my Favourite's list.

Posted by Graeme Fielden on 07/16/05 at 06:36 AM

A great pick for POTD. Congratulations Br Max!

Posted by Alex Smyth on 07/16/05 at 06:37 AM

Very eloquent, Max,touching choice for POTD.

Posted by Sarah Graves on 07/16/05 at 09:16 PM

This is a wonderful, endearing piece Max. I never looked at this cycle from the perception that you have written here. There seems to be many acts of violation that you are trying to point out.. sometimes they are so overwhelming, it makes me feel miniscule. But then again, we are. Great read.

Posted by Kourosh Taheri-Golvarzi on 07/20/05 at 04:59 PM

aaarr!! Why haven't I read this earlier?!? This is awesome!

Posted by Olivia Weinkein on 05/27/09 at 08:32 PM

wow, this is gorgeous in a dangerous & devastating way. I can't believe I haven't read this before. Going on my favorites list.

Posted by Johnny Crimson on 11/05/10 at 04:24 PM

Few dudes commented here, scared of the truth I suppose.

Posted by Clara Mae Gregory on 01/24/15 at 02:14 PM

*stellar*

Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 01/27/15 at 04:01 PM

I'm very glad to have read this.

Posted by Laura Doom on 01/31/15 at 12:40 PM

I must have been going through my 'quality and creativity suck' phase in 2005; this is belated atonement therapy...

Posted by George Hoerner on 01/05/17 at 10:16 PM

Really a great write! You bring women to the fore through the words you use here!

Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 01/08/17 at 04:11 AM

Well put Max. Glad I finally caught up with this one.

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