Divided

 

As we continue 
to add to the legacy
of our country’s imperfections

our political extremes 
are once again 
weaponized

bombs
long range rifles
don’t answer the door.

With compassion gone
and outrage appearing only when
one of your own falls victim

it’s has become hard to tell 
if this is a Fascist overthrow of the governed
or the beginning of the next Civil War

            or both.

We now face the fear
that we have always been divided
and may forever be

as we once again watch
the dream of our democracy grow faint
when we choose to no longer 
respectfully manage our dissension.

September 2025

Ken Owen Van Niddy Press

Nothing Left to Do

Bikes without pedals,
shoes with faux laces,
zombies with cell phones
invading our spaces.

We can't go 5 minutes
in being alone
without someone crying
“Oh my god, where’s my phone?”

All-over body sprays
when our odors are scathing
I’m sure were not meant
to keep us from bathing.

With once-a-week shots
to control all our cravings,
we hope that the side effects
will not have us raving.

A.I. gives answers
requiring no thinking,
and leaves us all much more
time for day drinking.

Social media will tell you
what you want to believe,
while the truth lies somewhere
between all who deceive.

Now cars without drivers
park better than you,
so with all this free time
what will you do?

-inspired by Dorothy Parker
September 2025

Journal: September 2025

Our ability
  to quietly observe life
stolen by cell phones

09/02/2025