Saturday, March 17, 2012

Why I Don’t Wear Green on St. Patrick’s Day

I can’t wear green while
trees are wearing death,
or sport a bowler hat,
four-leaf clover in my teeth
as if I understand a people
I have never seen through more
than leprechaun theatrics,
jigs and Jameson Irish Whiskey
drunken for an Irish breakfast,
toasted to a Catholic saint
in make believe. History’s,
a bloodless dance when seen
through a parade. If only
bullets pinched instead
of tore. But blood spills red
and stains the green.

12 comments:

  1. This sounds like a profound piece Ben, a statement on Irish rebellion (IRA)maybe or something personal, let me know if I am off base...
    Thank you for the words on my post friend, I hope your St Patty's day is GOOD!

    Wander

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  2. Wow, Ben, I'm speechless. Fabulous writing, goes straight to my heart. xo

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  3. This is great..such a powerful take on St. Patrick's Day

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Susie. Have you done a St. Patrick's day poem? :-)

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  4. Excellent poem,Ben. Thoughtful and timely with compassion.

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