I fear

[joel]

I fear the pipes are gonna rust—
their sewage pressure spits in rush of freedom
ribbons of anger dismantled over time—
the pipes are gonna rust and turn.

I fear the sewage raw will stink
like murdered bodies’ rotten graves uncovered—
truth to the surface, unwelcome but relieved—
the sewage raw will stink and burn.

I fear the poison will pollute—
graffiti verses scribbled fast as artwork
fresh in the moment and change for what will be—
the poison will pollute and churn.

I fear the saline tide will up
and fall like menses hormones’ lively rampage—
tear-flooded saltlick creation comes to taste—
the saline tide will up and learn.

I fear the Jordan will survive—
its flow and eddy currents unpredicted
poisons diluted from oceans to the pipes—
the Jordan will survive and yearn

for a wholly new progression
forgetful not of rottenness
forsaking condemnation’s right
forgiveness for injustices
forever free of words I fear.

[Arcadia]

great poem, joel!!

[Lightning Rod]

the language is a damsel
she invites you to take liberties