Lawrence Hall
[email protected]
Dispatches for the Colonial Office
Died While Trying
(prompted by an idea by Nagi)
“Every day you play with the light of the universe”
-Neruda
The glory of killing an old man already dying
Is heralded by the clinking of colorful medals
As a president is helped into his Mercedes
By white-gloved lieutenants wearing golden aiguilettes
The old man dying in his bed was a challenge to evil
Through the love-letters of freedom he wrote to the world
Ambassadors of hope that could not be recalled
Just as a subtle injection cannot be withdrawn
A flowering of ideas in verses freely exchanged
Crushed beneath boots polished by frightened houseboys
May 21, 2025
May 21, 2025 at 11:26 AM UTC
Lawrence Hall
[email protected]
Dispatches for the Colonial Office
Died While Trying
(prompted by an idea by Nagi)
“Every day you play with the light of the universe”
-Neruda
The glory of killing an old man already dying
Is heralded by the clinking of colorful medals
As a president is helped into his Mercedes
By white-gloved lieutenants wearing golden aiguilettes
The old man dying in his bed was a challenge to evil
Through the love-letters of freedom he wrote to the world
Ambassadors of hope that could not be recalled
Just as a subtle injection cannot be withdrawn
A flowering of ideas in verses freely exchanged
Crushed beneath boots polished by frightened houseboys
Pablo Neruda