Pride Poem by Chris Jibero

A well of bad water
issuing from a belly bloated
by self overrated
an upward awkward surge of current
aiming to hit the unreasoning head
to loosen the tongue
make the mouth porous and swift
block the nostril with wool
cover the eyes with shroud
stop the ears
and overpower the brain
as though drenched by alcohol

Unsafe flight
to euphoric height
from where it drops
its victim in a free fall
of disgrace and stupor

Disaster-courting Challenger
heaven bound in an unscheduled flight
marked from concept to crash
cos nobody usurps his superior's authority
and remains whole at last
but comes later kissing the dust
at his feet

Pride, apparel of dishonour
flamboyant and conspicuous
adorned by the simple cos
an acclaimed self-made man is
an acclaimed self-made time bomb
waiting to detonate sooner than later.

(C) Chris Jibero.2002.