April 25 is ANZAC Day in New Zealand, a day of remembrance for those who gave their lives in two world wars and subsequent conflicts in which New Zealanders served and died. As a mark of respect for their sacrifice Orphaned Islands will not publish on this day.
Category: Death
Death the point at which the frequent contradiction of theory and observation converge to absolute absence. A membrane through which loss passes to non-existence, the space occupied by a person, entity, emotion, ideal or hope that is gone and gone forever. These (un) poems are the reflections of an audience of one, holding and slowly turning an urn of ashes, thinking about what is, what was and what might have been. And the slow formed acceptance of cutting the cards and drawing the joker.
Unrequited
John was different from other backpackers
older by a decade
or more
the longitude of his face
mapped much experience.
The eyes of a soldier
returned from war …. but not to peace.
Alaska was home
unspoken, but understood not to always have been.
Work summer
travel winter
the state which displaced Texas
was that kind of place.
Coincidence can randomly tumble combination
opening the vault.
A casual conversation
about significant mountaineering landmark
a first ascent of North America’s highest peak.
Cobalt bleached eyes gaze through the pause
stepping into the silence
a low hypnotic recitation
the voice of God.
The mountaineer had come into his workplace
for late, fine tuning purchases
just in case fuel
extra food
transactions settled by a pretty Japanese assistant.
The climber turned to leave….. then back to the woman
speaking their native tongue.
softly asking if she will …
“ No.”
The request shifts to spiritual
a salesman’s plausibility
“it could be the last time.”
“No.”
The ascent was bold and direct
archaeology confirmed the summit
a telephoto lens
anticipated glory’s eve.
He is never seen again.
For the back story click Backstage
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Half-life
In many ways regard for technology
replicates the pattern of human affection
those who in the moment of meeting induce uncertainty
often progress to firm friends
engaging, extroverted debutantes
age to fickle, shallow and irritating.
Antibiotics.
Pesticides.
Genetic manipulation of crops
once toasted as superhero’s
giving the finger to the enemies of humankind
guests of honour anywhere – anytime
now known for their dark sides.
And nuclear power.
School in the 1960’s taught Hiroshima was necessary
Nagasaki perhaps a little hasty
still the victors didn’t start it.
By the mid-70s nuclear was evil and dangerous
millions campaigned for its overthrow.
At university we learned about isotopes
preparation, handling, storage and safety.
The instructor said most of the dangers were exaggerated
there was much greater risk crossing a busy street
or having a heart attack watching football.
The nucleus of his heart split
in his 42nd orbit of the sun
one Saturday afternoon in early winter
refereeing a football match – a spectator of sorts.
When his synapses opened the very last time
permitting the passage of his very last thought
was it of white coated ambivalent students
and a throwaway line
now boomeranging into terminal truth.
For the back story click Backstage
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Orphaned Islands (Un)poetry 