too much respect
for inside voice
in places where
the outside voice
should be required
too much tolerance
of outside voice
where inside voice
would work better
the swollen tissue
we call
money
entirely too much
unearned
self-esteem
the inability to see
complexity
patiently
the notion that
any “_____ism”
isn’t holding steady
a lack of real eagles
married to
a preference for symbolic ones
armored intensities
squared off
an insistence upon
picture perfection
laughter wrung
from the deadly misfortune
of others being other
its standing in red-soaked earth
kept wet through clumsy inattention
and skillful market research
its clowned remarkability
and
its durable packaging
Dark Matter 
January 14th, 2013 at 8:24 pm
There’s so much hate and rage in you, it just comes erupting out.
January 15th, 2013 at 6:28 am
Never confuse the voice of the poem with the voice of the poet.
Also, I think this poem is pretty clinical in its assessment of things…I’m far more emotional about it all.
January 12th, 2013 at 2:36 pm
“the inability to see complexity patiently” touched a chord, challenging me about a certain mental lethargy that I’m experiencing in my later years. Thank you.
January 13th, 2013 at 11:21 pm
Eileen — thank you so much for your thoughtful comments. I much appreciate them.
January 12th, 2013 at 4:00 am
Reblogged this on poetry, photos and musings oh my! and commented:
The Eagle, a predatory bird! Sometimes a small emblem can say so much!
January 12th, 2013 at 4:34 am
Cool. I’m flattered.
January 12th, 2013 at 6:09 am
Merci beaucoup!
January 12th, 2013 at 3:56 am
As always, you hit that one out of the park! As you well know, Eagles are predatory so a rather fitting emblem in my lowly opinion.
January 12th, 2013 at 4:36 am
Did you know that Ben Franklin lobbied hard for the turkey to be the American symbol for that very reason?