JOHNMICHAEL SIMON POETRY

As light divides the surface of the moon

into two faces – a man’s who gleams on lovers

and another cold and dark, forever turned away

so imitates our own

 

Its one half pointed tiredly from its past

as history and martyrdom exchange their crimes

for simulated-culture merchandise in stores

and new computer games

 

The other ruled by violence and sons of gods

where death lurks queuing for a loaf of bread

and each day ends in yet another call to arms

as sun sets in its east

 

And yet like distant galaxies and whirling rocks

viewed from an unprejudiced space telescope

inside the hearts of suns and cultured westerners

beats common blood

 

Where daily murders are reported on page four

and handguns can be purchased in the local store