Volume > Issue > The Chic and the Dead

The Chic and the Dead

A POEM

By T.J. Kelly | September 1983

Rocks that block the mouths of tombs

Give sermons of great gravity

On the benefits of dumping wombs

To save the giants of the sea.

Procrustes breaks the limbs of Christ

To fit Him in His resting place;

“Fins and tails are underpriced

Big bellies will not save our race.

There is no room on earth for us

Who spoil it for those coming after,

Send babies off without a fuss.”

(To the sound of God’s and whales’ deep laughter.)

Enjoyed reading this?

READ MORE! REGISTER TODAY

SUBSCRIBE

You May Also Enjoy

Epithalamion

As puny astronauts set out,

Sheathed in their metal skin,

Exploring vastnesses without,

So do…

William Carlos Williams: A Doctor’s Faith, a Poet’s Faith

Williams knew how bored, self-centered, and self-indulgent the rich can be, and how desperately confused, vulnerable, and self-lacerating the poor often are.

Turning

“Alas, I cannot find my God,” Man said

Blind with seeking, all but garroted

By…