In college, I studied creative writing as if it were a special discipline or a fast-moving train to somewhere divine. It wasn’t. It was more like a meandering, long-winding road that ended in a cul de sac. My, how I loved that cul de sac!
I took three poetry writing workshops. I loved them all.
While I wrote some incredible poetry in those days (or so they told me), I didn’t do much with it. I got a few poems published, but I was also captured by the fiction writing bug. Fast-forward to 2005. I found myself on desert sand, helping a former president build his legacy. My National Guard unit had been activated for a tour in Iraq.
After my return, I wrote some poems about the experience, and I managed to get one of them published. As far as I’m concerned, it’s one of the best poems I’ve ever written—in terms of literary excellence.
Today, I share “Cigar”, a poem first published at ++The New Verse News++ in 2008.
Cigar
By Allen Taylor
Drawn out deep,
like the upward concerns
of an intern. Captains delight
in late-night fatties, blue skies
dressed in vanilla, and star-
crossed lips ladled with love stains.
Free soil built this land. Death
may dance in the sun
but I'm taxed. Hand me a bill
of sale, this whore has the whole
damned country by the balls.
The king may know his legacy,
but where are his clothes, mind you?
The Right Wing spins
a new face while the Party
reminisces and the world
is made safe. For
democracy
is a costly business,
liberty a puff of smoke
in a courtroom.
Battlefield worms like us
seek security in slow-poppin' cherries
and close calls,
rockets red glaring past our bedtimes.
I'm fed the hell up with Hillians casting lots,
forgetting to shed light
on this year's stale,
burned-out
two-party topic.
Want more poetry? Leave a comment below. Want original fiction? Leave a comment below. What else would you like to see?
Check out Allen Taylor’s ++speculative fiction++. Image is AI generated by Substack.
Posted Using INLEO
This poem has so much power in every line! The words feel strong and full of meaning, like they tell a big story in a small space. I like how it talks about war, politics, and freedom in a way that makes you think. You have a great way with words.
Thanks for the great comment. I really appreciate the feedback.
I really enjoyed this poem can you do more of these please.
Thanks for the feedback. Sure enough, you'll see more poetry.
Your 'whore has the whole damned country by the balls' is a great line, arresting and sharp with social commentary.
Thank you.
I quite like the somewhat more gritty, jaded tone of this poem. It really suits the subject!
Thank you so much.
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