by David Radavich
America is no longer
according to some a country.
Only a collection
of individuals occupying
the same land-mass.
We don’t need
to care about children,
the poor, elderly, or homeless.
Only about ourselves
and our own special orbit.
Air doesn’t belong
to us all
but only to those
who emit and charge.
Water is bought,
soil sold, forests hewn
according to
personal preference.
There’s nothing left
to defend:
Only stars
in the night sky
who’ll never
reach
or encounter
or embrace one another.
David Radavich's new book of poems Middle-East Mezze (Plain View Press, 2011) focuses on Iraq, Palestine, and Egypt. Previous poetry publications include Canonicals: Love's Hours (Finishing Line, 2009), America Bound: An Epic for Our Time (Plain View Press, 2007), Slain Species (Court Poetry Press, London), By the Way (Buttonwood Press, 1998), and Greatest Hits (Pudding House Press, 2000). His plays have been performed across the U.S. and abroad, including five Off-Off-Broadway productions. He also enjoys writing essays on poetry, drama, and contemporary issues.
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