Places where I go to conjure still mystifies me because when
engulfed in smoke and whirling mist, time slows and stops then moves again.

Some small strand of self slithers out and looks about then returns with small inspiration
Some morsel or crumb.

An otherly finger pokes in.
It plants a seed then stealthily recedes

The road lurches slowly then smoothly , tilting this  way then that way.
Questing, cohesion. A bolus of inspiration.
With sticky tendrils gently unfurled

This thing makes made odd.
My wife looks at me as if,as if, as if.
Always been a bit odd.

Oblique. after all.
Weird. Round peg in a square hole.
**** it.




.

Africa. You are bereft. Africa means pain to me.
Too vast for sympathy past token.
Too old to not know better
Too wise to have no answer.

Much too late for Africa

****** mother Africa.
Bleeding from the eyes
Seen too much of suffering
Flayed to the bone then left alone.

What has not been said compared to what's been done.

Laying on a dusty road
At the easy leisure of the the passerby.
So vast, Primal still tribal and divided.
Africa you will endure. Pain. Africa.

The sweltering Jungle. The scorching sun.
Oh Africa.

You are Beautiful.
You are destined.
You are horrific
all wrapped in butcher paper.

Still to the highest bidder.
Numb to the lash.
Cries go unheard.
Gnawing at your limb gripped tight
in vise-like turmoil. Oh Africa.

I love you for what you have been.
I love you still for what you are.
I pray Africa.
Oh Africa.
Peace. Be still.

Passed a young soul going north on the river
Crossed up his path southward bound was I headed.

Young man could you tell me where you travel from.
From the land of the misty he spake by and by.
From the land of the smitten and and the eye for an eye.

******* says I. There be no such place as the eye for an eye.

Then passed a fair maiden our eyes never met
She toiled and she labored against furious tide.
What therefore awaits thee I asked with great dread
A dull blade in yon castle now beckons my head.

Twas now dark in the distance . Now hollow and dank
So I made for the landing not sure of the tide.

Now the wind rose around me now blew me to deep
It was then It came to me, surely I sleep.
Tis no dream I assure  thee . No digestive woe.
It is written you go down, and down you shall go

******* says I tis naught but a dream.

Now the waters grew angry
The wind whipped about.
It was then that I fathomed the fix I was in.
I had earned my full wages let the payment begin.

Ten minutes till the lights turn green

Nine prayers before we jump

Eight clicks from drop to rondevous.

Seven hours till evac point

Six clips of blazing starburst death

five years of pain and grit well served

Four months til end of bit.

Three tours embedded in my soul.

Two holes. Two burning remnants.

One heart set free. No you. No me

Oorah.



Three

Two

One