Oops
Before the internet
idiots were shunned
as soon as they brayed.
Now the world wide web
lets world wide dolts
babble endlessly,
bully viciously,
clog the electronic flow
with meaningless drivel,
hiding behind screens,
enhancing themselves
with flattering photos,
false resumes
to deceive others,
safe in anonymity
shielding identity,
but sooner or later
the social network
reveals their stupidity.
Historical Dilemma
Omar the poet
in his search for wisdom
approached many for guidance,
but left unsatisfied
and never revealed
whether the fault
was his or theirs
that he could not find
the answers he sought.
Planetary Horror
A young boy
cannot understand
why he is abused
by parent, guardian, master,
beaten, cursed, insulted
until pride dissolves,
resistance crumbles,
hope for the future
untimely dimmed
by diseased oppressors.
Siren Serenade
Emergency services
require rapid transit
through congested streets
for timely arrivals
in the urban struggle,
the daily occurrences
of fire, crime, heart attack,
quick response
permitting survival.
Unseeing
I met many people
on a twisting road
that led I knew not where,
urgently traveled,
appetite for experiences
clamoring for fulfillment.
Temporary savorings
tasted a brief moment,
forced to move on
leaving occupants
of departed worlds
with impact insufficient
to accompany the journey,
too late discovering
self-inflicted blindness.
About the author:
Gary Beck has spent most of his adult life as a theater director. He has 14 published chapbooks. He has to his credit numerous collections of poetry, short-stories and novels. His original plays and translations of Moliere, Aristophanes and Sophocles have been produced Off Broadway. His poetry, fiction and essays have appeared in hundreds of literary magazines. He lives in New York City.