ISRAEL

raygross@modiin.net

Akeida (Sacrifice of Isaac)

Streaks-stains-shadows
Along whitewashwalls
Recede, softened
By
This slowly dying glow.
Made drunk by evening,
Kids come out
To play at living
The fragile lives of moths.
Sparkling,
Their eyes
Keep time to the drumbeat
Rhythm of night.
The children play: laugh
(an awkward laughter, edged
with
the panic
of too many freedoms).
AMERICA
America idles through crisp, picture-
Perfect powdermountains. Swallowing
Pills and moving,
Gliding
In Astaire-smooth dancing
Shoes.
America. Tarnished
Dream
On burnished silver wings.
Newgold
Altars now rear,
Rocket
Over the ancient, long-
Buried bedrock: Isaac,
Your place is plastered
With ripped Sears stickers.
Death-


American death, complete
With commercial breaks.
This time, no
Voice
Does stay the ever-trembling scythe.
America. Your altars stand
Atop harsh ashscapes
(bleak, burnt riches).
Ashes
Atop ashes. Earth
To
Secret earth. AMERICA.
AMERICA.
AMERICA.

amen.

© Copyright, 10/04/00, Raymond Gross.
All Rights Reserved. Printed By Permission.