Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Numbers

At first
the living
outnumbered the dead.
Back then the wheel was the latest fad
and cooking fish
in the embers of the fire
as the sun set over a sparkling sea
was haute cuisine.

But as the years passed
and the body count grew
there came the moment
when the dead and the living
numbered the same.
And the first questions were asked
and ignored.

So now the teeming dead mock us,
above and below.
And a cup of clean water
is a rare feast
to be gulped in the warming wind
beneath the burning sky.

9 comments:

Roger Stevens said...

Just been reading some new poetry - including the new Billy Collins. Nothing like some imput when you need some fresh creativity. Collins fans will probably spot the join.

Unknown said...

I am glad that I came across your site. I like it and had myself one hell of a time.

missy said...

Hi Roger Stevens,

The Universe is indeed small and full of concurrent events that are all connected. Serendipitous moments.

Thanks for your visit to my universe and your lovely song which I hope to hear someday.

missy xx

Wastedpapiers said...

I too, had to seek out Billy C. as I live in Cheshire and we all know that Cheshire Is a Pooerty Free Zone.
It was nice to find that he has a sense of humour and the poems read more like short anecdotes - at least the "Candle Hat" did, which I enjoyed very much.
You can find it HERE.

Roger Stevens said...

He's good isn't he?

Sue hardy-Dawson said...

I have only just read my first Billy Collins, thanks to the link of Michael's I really liked what I read. I will look for more. Mean while a deep and thought provoking poem, quite chilling.

As for summer, I think it will be costa del back garden this year as funds are short but at least is hot and I'm on a school trip to a theme park tomorrow. I plan to do lots of writing now my degree's finished-yipee!! No more text books to trawle through for a while.

As for football I don't know enough to comment, but I enjoyed Mr Rooneys full on teenage tantrum it was remanisant of some of my favourite pupils, bless.

Neetee said...

This is so poignant and deep. Your words take us, not tripping over rhyme, but diving into reason.

Beautifully done.

The Individualist said...

Different poetry. The triggered thought is very nice. Makes one muse after the read...

aa said...

Your work is like looking through a window to a whole new world.