Hesse-by-Rhine


photographs freeze me
if i have felt it once, i have felt it always;
damning me with an awkward look.
there are heads in the shape of lanterns
and orbs that burn long and bright:
power is stripped from the television screen
wholly bestowed to me night after night.
the love i give is stale
the church is old in its grave:
i saw it knocked down, rubble to ash,
that i saw in it made to waste.
give the world to a cynic so that the cards
may be put to rest;
give the world to me, sir,
and i will spin it as i see best.