Interrogation

Admit it: you are a terrorist.

The reason I am sure you are a terrorist
is because we’re finished with the Communists.
You were a Communist once, I am sure.
The way I know you were a Communist
was because we whipped the Nazis
and you were a Nazi
so it was time for you
to become a Communist again.

Let’s go over this again: you speak only when spoken to.
I’m asking you to admit you’re a terrorist
but don’t mistake that for speech. I’m
a hired conscience. I’m in your head.

Let’s go over this again: stand up.
Kneel and hold these Korans out at arm’s length.
No, those are too light. Here’s
the Manhattan phone book. Here’s two of them.
Don’t drop them again; you made that mistake once.
See where it got you?

Admit that you know a terrorist
and I’ll let you back into the party.

Face down, then let’s go over it again:
there is no God but One?
Who are you kidding?
Smells pinko to me.

Admit that you have seen terrorists
and I’ll let you on the plane, just kidding,
I’ll let you in the country, just kidding,
I’ll let you watch TV.

Let’s go over this again,
face up this time and listen carefully,
hear every word I say: tell us where we can find them,
find him, find our way to him, find the bombs,
the suitcases, the bloody gloves, the temples, the
gold. If you’re not with us,
you’re without us.

Let’s go over this again:
you will not admit to seeing terrorists,
knowing terrorists, being a terrorist.
Is there some other reason
you are not with us?
I know a lot of what’s going on and I’m hoping
you can clear up the rest.

Let’s go over this again: do you now understand,
have you ever understood, terrorism?

Let’s go over this again…

About Tony Brown

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A poet with a history in slam, lots of publications; my personal poetry and a little bit of daily life and opinions. Read the page called "About..." for the details. View all posts by Tony Brown

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