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Figments VII

by Ken Harnisch



WHAT FOOLS

Someday, when Hil and Bill
Are trading tee shots with Don and Mel
And they take a selfie of the four of them
Know their laughter will be at the expense
Of those who truly believed there was
A difference there, a fundament, a reality
Of philosophies so vastly apart that it drove
Passionate people to swear one was holier than
The other.

Ah, what fools these mortals be.

SECOND AMENDMENT

I will support your unfettered right to bear arms
If you bear the arms that Madison looked upon
While he was putting down the words. Then go ahead,
Davy Crockett: Carry
Your one-shot musket into Wal-Mart
And stuff black powder down the barrel
With that long iron thing-y
While the stockman yawns, and changes the prices
On the Pepsi twelve pack in Aisle 6.

LOVE

When you’ve said it all, why bother
With the words anymore. Words are wind,
As Mr. Martin says, and they have all the power
Of his mythical dragons to change things
In the end.

HATE

Conversely, be not aflame
With your certitude and your self-righteousness
And then be alarmed at the twisted rictus
That confronts you in the mirror
In the upstairs bathroom when you brush
Your plate glass teeth.

GOD

I like to believe God is smarter
Than any earthbound correspondent
Mouthing pieties in His name.

Jesus, let’s hope so.

07/01/2016

Author's Note: Once more, with a bow to Edna St. Vincent Millay, whose "figments" birthed the Muse.

Posted on 07/01/2016
Copyright © 2024 Ken Harnisch

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 07/01/16 at 07:23 PM

Worth many reads - rich with irony, laughing at us humans all the way, - loved "plate glass teeth."

Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 07/03/16 at 02:38 PM

Love what you've done here Ken. Five separate poems, each with it's own unique poetic punch. Kudos!

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