Free Speech Poem by Laurence Overmire

There’s one thing we can’t talk about
Ever: Religion
At least not in public
No way to discuss, analyze, comment or
(Most especially)
Criticize
If you do

Venture into that Forbidden Zone

You are subject to the disturbingly
Violent consequences
People who are not at all rational
In defense of what they believe
The human psyche so fragile in the way
It is glued
Together.


(Previously published in CER*BER*US, XLI, Spring 2001)