what do you call
a more or less elected leader

who is unable
    or unwilling

to work for
    the health and safety
of his nation?

LOSER!!

recently
after every massacre
by some fanaticized pathological idiots
politicians call upon their citizens
to come together
and pray for the murdered and their families

this is absolutely appropriate

but it seems
that ever since 9/11
the nation only comes together
AFTER more of its members have been killed

I wish very much
that the nation
   AND politicians
would come together
BEFORE  the next massacre
and take appropriate action
to prevent such disasters
in the first place

some people seem to believe
the power to **** makes them safe

deadly error

just makes them more dangerous for everyone
themselves included

"earth"
without "art"
is just "eh"

now with a seven before the zero
I know that I am still no hero
just lucky to have lived so long
     and happy to go on
     for many years
before they sound the final gong

unknown morning birdsongs
make me aware
I am not home

at times it seems
your future might be little else
but treasured memories
from your receding past

open the door, look outward,
let some light shine in
and remember

your life goes forward
not back