clear, cool, pool

clear
cool
pool.

with water that tastes
of musty roots
and bits of leaf
and mossy rock

clear
cool
pool.

with water that smells
of cold fresh dawns
and tepid noons
and dusty dusk

clear
cool
pool.

and in a corner
by the log
half dragged onto
a sandy bank

he sprawls.

shot through the head.

rebel. informer.
brother. friend.

clear
cool
pool.

[published in blackmail press 26]

leave us our hills

goddamn you chinky rebel fools
(who water these hills with our blood)
goddamn you indian army goons
(who water these hills with our blood)

leave us alone, you bastards,
leave.
to eat and sing and dance and sleep
a quiet meal
a happy song
a drunken dance
and
sleep.

deep.

without
constant, constant, constant
memories
of your
goddamn guns.
and bloody countries.

leave us our hills.
leave.
all you bastards,
leave.

[published in blackmail press 26]