I was gone for weeks this time and nobody missed me
It was just like the last time when I disappeared
Into the deep dark and dangerous jungle for a year
And when I finally emerged alive and well
My hair was long and my beard hid my face from view
No one recognized me as a wounded warrior but instead
Chose to see me as just another escaped animal
That needed to be caged or quarantined for my own protection
Because in all likelihood I had become a real killer
I had blood stains on my hands and my breath smelled like death
My teeth were sharp and my even sharper eyes x-rayed my chosen prey
I could count the ribs on my side with my fingerless hands
And I was extremely hungry for anything that moved
It was then I knew for sure that I would never be able to adapt
To a civilized world in which people pretended not to know
Where the bodies are all buried
Yet they erect a monument to commemorate the atrocities
Committed on their behalf….
(2007)
Irony agonizingly penned. Brilliant in your face poetry. love, Allie xxxx
Powerful and brilliant work, Ted........thankyou..... Be well.... Best, D.
Yet they erect a monument to commemorate the atrocities Committed on their behalf great write ted i missed you my friend.. and so do those who are attached to you..
It is always the hardest truth to tell. You've done so without artifice and in a strong blank verse which echoes 'Zonk' feelings... Cool. Rgds, Ivan
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Madness and civilisation indeed. Hard-hitting and provoking and spot on as ever Ted. t x