A cold front is crossing the nation-
The emperor retreats to his tropical palace,
As those who compete in the arenas of power
Return to their provinces to curse this place-
A swamp of bribery and tax collectors
Who rub each other’s elbows to survive.
This city is of the mighty; London, Paris, Rome,
The epicenter of our time. The schemes
Of every tribe on earth cross in the traffic zones-
The center of all laws and lawlessness.
Here are wars declared and treaties revised.
Yet April comes with a pink partition
Of cherry blossoms reflected in the rivers;
The daffodils poke out of the ground
Like yellow pinwheels in their thousands,
From the lawns of the official embassies;
Sidewalks become a coral reef of orchids
From elms and oaks about the townhouses,
Whose roots break through the cobblestone.
It is the perfection of spring in America.
Primary colored birds return to the fountains
And chatter about the politics of migration
In the bursting of brightness and fragrance.
I am just another citizen in this wicked city-
I watch the news reports of sudden blizzards;
The skies darken, there is panic in the trees.
What hope we had in the world is fading.
Comments
Hello
I doubt those who designed this city realized the ugliness that the beautiful buildings would mask lol. But even that can be ignored for a short while as snow falls on cherry blossoms. Figured out I like this? lol......stan
Hey Eumolpus.
Wow. I loved the way this turned the convention of Spring poetry being tied to romanticism (at least, in my mind it is) on its head. The language and syntax also comes off as carefully considered and masterful. Unfortunately, I don't have much feedback to give here on what may be improved, but my favorite stanza was your last;
I am just another citizen in this wicked city-
I watch the news reports of sudden blizzards;
The skies darken, there is panic in the trees.
What hope we had in the world is fading.
The stanzas preceding it lessen a possible sentiment of hopelessness and instead leave one in contemplation. Great read, thanks for sharing.
Nick.
DO YOU KNOW EUMO
In spring it's snow in USA
ice breeze snow
come and see
Canada will ye
on either side
of NIAGARA
stand you and me
the daffodils are blooming
the birds chirping
in your place
come over to aside
and look over my shoulders
no you won't recognize Lovedly
covered in the blue rain coat fully
here it is still chilly
snowing like the winters freeze
come and see me
Niagara is where we may meet
across all barriers
no Mexico wall here
Niagaar to all USAites and Canadiens
is lovably adorable my dear
Love to meet you at Niagra
I would look for a red rose in the crowd...
That, I suppose, would be you!
You never know, maybe one day I'll be in the neighborhood,
especially if the emperor starts to win his war on decency.
Amazing that I was considering Canada in the 60's like many others
Caught up in the draft for the Vietnam war.
A half century later, the thought has occurred....
I'll send you a telegram when I get there!
What a pleasure
'twill be
to help recognize me
I shall be dressed
in red
and have
roses red
thanks for having
me read
Lovedly