THE QUALITY OF MERCY

a cat on its haunches
sits quiet and sweet

what are the chances
a tail curls in defeat
leaves a bird’s nest un-looted

when the hungry line up
on a street paved with patience
in the slow build up
to ignorant resistance
great whites have been gathering
on everyman’s shore

what food there is

has a possible score
and the music plays on
while sharks
keep on hammering

and I in my wet suit
and you in your poem
shall we leave the room empty

or dive for the song

who will break bread
on a natural farm
who will learn to defend

nature’s loss with alarm
I am old and disgusted
I am young and in place
I am ready and willing
I am drunk with disgrace
I have fallen not broken
into endless repast

this season ain’t over

this cat learns real fast.