Tuesday, March 22, 2016

AFTER READING JOSEPH ROTH'S THE HOTEL YEARS

by Alan Catlin


Pencil sketch by Michael D'Antuono.


Germany between world wars
Residue of failure and hate
diminished self-worth
Blame it on the minorities
Our country could be great again if
            there were no more:
                                                Jews
                                                Gypsies
                                                Homos
                                                Deformed
                                                Infirm
                                                Feeble minded
                                                Sick
                                                Non-Aryan
                                                                        people
Pander to the insecurities
The unemployed
Underemployed victims
of runaway inflation
worthless currencies
Hatred is the most powerful
the most effective motivator
Pander pander pander pander
Work the crowds until they are mobs
Then shout Kill Them All


Alan Catlin has published numerous chapbooks and full-length books of poetry and prose, the latest of which, from March Street Press, is Alien Nation.