NOW WE UNDERSTAND

Now we understand that poppies hum

slumber, cities chant slaughter,

holy men hawk hatred for votes and gold,

bubble gum replaces B___  as the virus

reinvents itself and bides its time.

Fat men in fatigues and jungle gear

wave flags with bloodshot eyes,

and manure manifestos measure our resolve.

What can be done but to remember

somewhere a slow bassoon plans moonlight,

somewhere a sleeping drum dreams Brahms.

(Clicking on photos enlarges them.)