Saturday, February 4, 2012


“Asylum”

Who is that black man moving
like an acquired target.
in the heart of Ballyhaunis?
A noonday shadow
standing up
to make itself invisible.

That is a man whose sacred
groves are burnt.
He eats sand,
Fleeing a poisoned well.

Mark him passer-by.
Others have marked him before
you.

Beyond this place
is the road to
Ballaghadereen.
There is no sacrificing now
in the oak cathedral.
The trees are cut
and hold up foreign churches.

See that hooded scarecrow
Blown in from treeless deserts?
Recognise the Ethiope
And know him.

© Mike Absalom 20 July 2008 Curryaun

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