last night’s rain puddles
midst the chaos of metro-clutter
held hostage by tire and curb
as if abandoned
by the disinterested waters
of mother earth
it shoulders its way through the gutters
in search of a welcoming sea
as the rising sun embraces this morning
day begins golden and crisp
bird songs echo empty sunrise streets
prisoners of this quarantine
me and my loyal iPad
we sit by this morning window
with coffee and curiosity
quietly perplexed by this morning’s news
I read The Atlantic online
CNN drones on my wall TV
occasionally distracted
I avoid both angry screens
growing troubled by our human plight
amazed how we never learn
when the answers seem so obvious
in this moment
my head drums
my frustration rises
my spirit slips
my mind drifts
lifting on the vapor ribbons
wafting from my steaming cup
until I stare unfocused
TV announcer’s mouth continues sculpting words
but I have fallen deep into my thoughts
imagining how different it would be
if I ruled this fucking world
rob kistner © 2021
To check out more poems at dVerse: CLICK HERE
Damn right, brother. For more than four years now I have labored through a similar morning scenario. Maybe we could share the throne, and proactively scourge the kingdom, like they’re doing now at the white house, hoping a ton of antiseptic will decontaminate the premises.
I don’t think their is enough disinfectant to get rid of the stench and purification left behind by this abhorrent administration dude. The insurrectionists are not the only ones to shit on the carpets of our capital Glenn. Uncle Chubby and his band of bullshitters have crapped up and down those halls for four LOOOONNNG years. Fuck Trump!
I’d love to see the sun’s morning glimmer in one of those puddles. Anything to take my mind off of this and next week (and all that’s led up to it.)
Our country is at a brink. When Joe steps in Lisa, he needs to snuff out this asshole’s bullshit, and the assholes who support his evil.
“…when the answers seem so obvious.” Amen, Brother Rob.
Even I, The Natural-Born Hermit, am growing restless…
and grumpier (if that’s possible).
Restless, grumpy — believe me Ron, I resemble that remark…!
I echo those sentiments Rob!
Bravo Jim! We need the Republicans in the Senate to show some balls, and impeach the SOB!
I finally abandoned the morning paper and newscast. Threats and stupidity weigh me down. I do watch an evening newscast, when I am closeted in my room and I can talk back to the TV! I fear this maniac will not go away but continue to marshal his forces to disrupt any chance Biden has to restore some semblance of our lives.
We must remember Bev, we as a country, let this asshole devil in. So we, either by our laziness, ot our lack our vigilance, are all guilty to some degree. Given his obvious and blatant racism and misogyny I could not believe it really happened when it happened 4 years ago.
I feel your passion, the gentle songs an interesting contrast!
Long live King Rob and Glenn
you would be far better men!
The songs are my offered soulful distraction from this fucked up mess. Something to douse my outburst of vitriol Kate.
There are lots of time-wasters of the powers that be that nothing seems to be moving. Life is at a standstill and becoming worse off. Many countries in lockdowns and we’re all in inactivity. Pity! Very true Rob, it’s frustrating!
Hank
We need to all step up in strength Hank.
I hopeful now with the new administration coming in. Under quarantine, we can all sigh with relief and imagine a different world . Cheers!
Cheers to you Grace, and let us hope both the USA and the world at large, moves towards peace, love, and understanding — for the sake of abetter planet.
You’ve captured well the craziness of the current situation in the US. It must cause you much anger. I, too, am angry about the state of affairs in my country, or perhaps not so much angry anymore as deeply disappointed and upset.
Thank you Ingrid. It certainly seems, while the technologies of the world continue to advance, the conscience of the world continues to recede.
Beautiful scene setting in the opening stanzas, Rob. I especially love:
‘last night’s rain puddles
midst the chaos of metro-clutter
held hostage by tire and curb’
and the way the poem pivots on the ‘prisoners of this quarantine… quietly perplexed by this morning’s news’. I’m trying hard to avoid news but. Since he’s been furloughed, my husband insists on having it on in the background all day long! I know the feeling of head drumming, frustration rising, and spirit slipping. We should start a World Poets Party – we’d make a much better job of it.
Thank you Kim. If such a Party ever formed, I’d join in a moment — but I’d have to insist the charter be written in prose (or maybe free verse)… 🙂
There is great depth and passion in this poem, Rob! Let prosperity prevail now and always! 🙂
Yes Sanaa, and may peace, love, and logic be cornerstones of the Biden/Harris years.
These lines really spoke to me, Rob:
I relate so strongly. Thank you for giving this expression.
Shabbat Shalom,
David
You are most welcome Ben, and peace to you as well.
It’s interesting we both started with a rainy dawn. In fact, I more often choose coffee than sleep.
If any of us ruled the world, it would be a much better one I think.
Poets would make more sensitive leaders, with likely more vision Kerfe — certainly two qualities I would like to see in a leader.
You said it! Said it so beautifully! I do enjoy your writing Mr. Kistner.
Thank you Helen. 🙂
At least we’re getting a lot of good poetry out of it (cheaper than therapy)
Yes, yes it is Xan… 🙂
I’m glad not to rule the world… so many decisions are really compromising
I sure as hell don’t wanna rule either Bjorn, but couldn’t be any worse than what we got here now.