August 26–September 1 ❘ Gadianton’s Band

Gadianton’s Band

Let’s talk about
the management of the creature:
You have responsibilities,
family needs to meet,
innocent appetites to fill,

but you sow and sow and sow
and never seem to reap.
The same people grow richer,
the same names pass down
from chief judge to chief judge.
They grow fat on secret works
and knowledge you can’t access.

It’s enough to stir up anger
in the most patient heart.

Perhaps you need
a different kind of friend—
a spider who’ll spin subtle,
sticky webs to catch those flies
that feed on your despair.

You wouldn’t have to dip
your own skirts in blood—
I’ll make that sacrifice for you.

All I need is support,
permission to work,
your vote of confidence.

After all,
not taking sides
has its own consequences,
and you might as well throw in
your lot with someone who gets things
done.

• Read more of my poetry at www.facebook.com/latterdaysaintpoetry

• Contact me at merrijane.rice@gmail.com