day TWO HUNDRED and TWENTY SIX

Swimming in Texas

they are

swimming for

safety in Texas

and the

death toll

is over 30 people

mothers daughters

fathers carry

children through

waist high water

even the

news is 

only there by skype

so as not to 

get their pants wet

as Johnny Cash

is singing

how highs the water mama

and all

the swamp

they drained in Washington

has flooded

into Texas

floating the

whole state

like a cork on the ocean

or a 

turd in a bowl

and all

the president

can say

is how he can't believe

the turnout

and all

the love

and support

the people show

for him.

--Matt Borczon

Matt Borczon is a writer from Erie, Pa. His books include A Clock of Human Bones from the Yellow chair review press, Battle Lines from Epic Rites Press, Ghost Train from Weasel Press and Sleepless nights and Ghost Soldiers from Grey Boarders Press. He publishes widely in the small press.

 

Charlottesville Pantoum

If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention,
Heather Heyer posts. (Her last post)
The president blows his dog whistle.
“Unite the Right” flyers don’t mention the statue.

Heather Heyer posts her last post.
Counter-protestors bring signs.
“Unite the Right” flyers don’t mention the statue
of General Lee looking down from his horse.

Counter-protestors bring signs.
Nazis bring torches, guns, and shields.
General Lee looks down from his horse
at swastikas and Confederate flags.

The Nazis have torches, guns, and shields,
chant, Blood and soil and Jews will not replace us,
wave swastikas and Confederate flags.
Some very fine people

chant, Blood and soil and Jews will not replace us,
the president says, (No more dog whistles)
Some very fine people.
If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention.

--Alison Stone