National Anthem

the world's     country
stretches
from east to west
and extends southward

its seacoast     mainland
miles of islands

climates
while generally     varies
a range

cities
centers
regions
and population are situated

is virtually uninhabitable






from The Troubles (1993)

The Scream

i've left it in there for now
with my teeth

somewhere inside
where alligators are tearing it up

please understand i do not want this scream
to be left for posterity

the points
of this scream
are too mean to be covered by anybody's hand

it bellows inside me
i will not let it at you
until i know it can cut you down








from The Troubles (1993)