I Know That I'M Coward, But... Poem by Joseph S. Josephides

Since a long ago I want my inside rebel to exit
to save elders, youth, economy from the Houses
darting down from the Tower of Alexandria
exploiters, liquidators, stump grinders, burrs.

I know that I'm a coward, but I talk without pause,
not in public, hoping that the responsible will pay.
For years I hoped Hercules to exit from my inside
to break foreign drums with Achilles’ loud voice,
but behold, my coward self is pushing you to cut
claws, antlers, teeth of the monster, also his head.
I, as poet, don’t throw roadblocks, not sear symbols
only I build a tower of resistance, at a silent voice,
yet the cunning wish to throw him, dressed in white,
as heroin or shroud, outfit of butchers, psychiatrists.

My voice rejoices with yours as they multiply
and they exude lava to melt each image of unjust.
I know I'm a coward, it suffices that I ignite the flame.


© JosephJosephides