Dresden

 

It is not just the rebuilding of buildings
people become catatonic in total fear
That marks the beginning of a new epoch
they have to be coaxed back to the most
        basic functions
Such as the destruction of the blitz
huddled in the cellar a family clasps together
And the rank burning of Dresden
        suffocation comes first.

With survivors, resurrecting the will to live
Is more urgent
Than the myriad interplay of personality,
The ego is secondary
        small flesh steeples.....

In this larger dislocating fear which is
Total war
The you and I become irrelevant.  We are not
The factor by which decisions are determined
        how mad are we?

The end game is a narrative played like chess
By those who would demand for themselves
At least-
An individual grave.

 

8 Feb 1998