CONFESSION ZERO

Hundreds swarm military base in protests after Qurans burned The flames lick the loveless wars. Hordes of wagging tongues give rise to anger, adorned in the color of grief, pushing the feet toward failure, soon to tumble to the heavenly floor… Twelve killed in protests across Afghanistan More death, more rage, more contempt, more senseless bloodshed over beliefs. Kill, murder, misery and sorrow!  Might I summon humanity back from the edge that awaits its headlong extinction? Afghan Koran protesters killed by police Ready! Aim! Fire at will! Slay thy human brother, murder thy kith and kin, exterminate, destroy, and slaughter! ( “Shoot to kill” was the order, how else was I supposed to follow such instructions?) © 2012 by mark richard prime

Our breath is atrocious, crowding the air, our teeth, fanged relics slanted, bent of intolerance and proud minds fetching the face of wretchedness with leaching maws of foaming hatred. We must find our contempt unmasked, find our repugnant and false-hearted wars most contemptible as we use our depraved dribble to spackle the holes we’ve put in love. Tell me, oh mighty war, that they did not suffer? Tell me, oh potent combat, that they didn't needlessly die for our mantle and plot? Oh reckless courage, collateral death, are we set to fail love? Humankind's blind grasp of truth is no more than a churning obituary held up to fading mirror... © 2012 by mark richard prime

I’m appalled by all this shrill lightning, the stench of something reckless like an oven broiling millions whose only sin was their name. And then the torture and wars with their odor of deceit standing tall like a knife stuck in the back of love. Do we not understand ourselves enough to see it? We know the bat finds its prey, sensing its victims echo as it flutters in the shadow of self... and, you and I, what do we feel? © 2012 by mark richard prime