USA

lcstraub@worldnet.att.net

On Edge

The world is a senate without a face.
Cities tremble with confusion
as politicians struggle
against what they put aside.
Terror brushes up against civility
with a jagged roughness
and every man, woman, and child
bears a similar scar.
Justice flees to temporary quarters
after forcing the majority
to lay down their rights
in an hour of least objection.
Wrath finds faith
as hatred wears a cleric's robe.
Steel rests amongst ash
instead of rising above it,
and royalty in elaborate costume
waits with the poor in hand-me-downs
for the joust between good and evil.

© Copyright, 10/01, Linda C. Straub.
All Rights Reserved. Printed By Permission.