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Doom Scrolling

Villanelle of Regret challenge

By Martina Franklin Poole Published 10 months ago 1 min read
Martina Franklin Poole, detail from Unfold Within, 2019, mixed media

when symmetry surrenders to extremes

we are besieged by headlines tinged with dread

but this world looks away while the earth screams

-

the wounds of ruptured rock, of surging streams

are measured with the bodies of the dead

when symmetry surrenders to extremes

-

for ruin of land and life, wrestling regimes

pay soul for soul, exchanging blood they’ve shed

but this world looks away while the earth screams

-

With news of body counts flooding our dreams

we view the past to rest from what’s ahead

when symmetry surrenders to extremes

-

untouchable and clean, the death-mask gleams

a god’s demise pried from its ancient bed

but this world looks away while the earth screams

-

It was that past that founded present themes

I claim a future world of peace instead

when symmetry surrenders to extremes

but this world looks away while the earth screams

Villanelle

About the Creator

Martina Franklin Poole

I was born a poet and artist, a descendant of men and women whose journals and sketchbooks mapped out the foundations of my being. This is my voice.

www.martinafranklinpoole.com

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    Written by Martina Franklin Poole