by LJ Frank
with street literate musical notes
the ringing in the ears is an allegory
concertos of the spirit are symbolic of an unknown
and fashionable kindness an exhibtionist’s metaphor
a child birthed or aborted is not a legislative matter
the query of luck and circumstance are under advisement
to work out one’s destiny is a situational matter
but success may dull one to tears
pleasure is an elusive thrust for some
avarice was never a sexual lust for others
clear thought a beggar’s wallet is a stark warning
and alternative truths prefer the contortion of a lie
are you happy he asks from his comforts
do you believe she queries from her lectern
keep the faith they admonish from the pews
whatever comforts you, page seven in the hymnal
too many bodies laying and rotting in want of God’s love
fields tinted in red and grief, voices heard in silence
hope is an ally with encrusted wounds
where does controlling others find seed in the heart
a vessel voyages across the high seas
a satellite image captures the captain’s eyes
shipping was and is a global enterprise
and nationalism is a political tool
disinformation scars and bleeds
hablando desde los dientes is speaking from the teeth
fascism is a uniform voice to breach democracy
the pathology desires a climax that translates into extinction
profit to be made, flesh to be sold, trinkets of the heart
enslavement is freedom and truth is a parlor game
who stands to gain when grains of food
turn to dust
the Book of Job is a metaphor
all is vanity a harbinger of Qohelet*
meaning is sought under the sun
as drought and water redefine place
conviviality is waiting in the anteroom
the next fashions to be revealed
on wire hangers next to the remainder’s table
a sign above reads, what is there to lose
breathe deep in the OM of a smile
my DNA whispers, harmony is a genetic expression
kindness, is the want of harmony
the lead violinist of grace.
*perhaps the author (Qohelet is the feminine principle of Qahal) of Ecclesiastes…which suggests a personification of wisdom