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Question for the President

by apsara 

Posted: 06 June 2006
Word Count: 114
Summary: Sorry late entry - don't feel obliged to read - by the way, this is not addressed to George Bush!


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On the highway of unimagined wealth
in your silver Mercedes Benz
do you feel the drag of lives screaming past?

When you walk the shopping malls of plenty
bathed in Chanel, swathed in silk,
do you feel the hand tugging at your sleeve?

When you wash the oysters and caviar
down with Moet et Chandon
do the bones of the dead stick in your throat?

When you sleep on your feather mattress
between silk sheets, on down pillows,
does the pea of poverty keep you awake?

When you stand at your full-length window
and look at your domain
do the shacks and the hovels spoil your view?

Do you care at all?
Do you?






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Comments by other Members



paul53 [for I am he] at 13:45 on 07 June 2006  Report this post
Sadly, this could be addressed to many leaders these days. Got strong stanza by stanza, but better still without the last two lines.

joanie at 21:51 on 07 June 2006  Report this post
Hi apsara. This is sadly true - for so many people today. Poignantly and powerfully captured;
does the pea of poverty keep you awake?
is lovely.

I agree that you could lose the last two lines, but I feel that it needs something there. I can't suggest anything though!

I forgot this was a Flash Poetry exercise - excellent!

joanie


apsara at 02:51 on 09 June 2006  Report this post
You're right! The last 2 lines were a last minute add on because it does need something - but what?!

Account Closed at 16:11 on 09 June 2006  Report this post
This was a very good question indeed, particularly 'do the bones of the dead stick in your throat'. I agree it might work better without the last two lines, but overall, it's pointed and precise.

JB

Katy Kat at 08:10 on 15 June 2006  Report this post
Tracey

This is brilliant. I've only just found it.

(I've had some probs with computer so I'm a bit behind everyone else at the moment.)

It asks all the questions and it gives all the answers. Made me think of a line from the all time best seller -

'What is it to you - all you that pass by...?
'

do the bones of the dead stick in your throat?
A gem.

Best

Kate

Beanie Baby at 15:02 on 21 June 2006  Report this post
Clever piece of work this - with the powerful thrust of thousands of unanswered questions that would drown the majority of world leaders in two seconds flat. Brilliant.
Beanie


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