As Is What Was is a collection of poems created with no thought at all. None. There is no control over grammar, sound, rhythm, idea, or anything really. Why? I thought it would be fun. Is it insane? Absolutely.

 

I have a lot of time and patience for the valiant blade of grass

And its much more flamboyant cousin, the flower

Consider the way they just sprout

In the cracks of pavements

The potholes in the roads

And the gaps in the tarmac on runways

Almost as if politely reminding us

Of who really runs things around here

Yet pitifully, as is the nature of human beings,

We cry foul

“It’s being overrun!”

“Dilapidation!”

“Disrepair”

“Time to renovate”

And so we entrust ourselves with a billion odd dollars to do work that will require more work and so on

Meanwhile once plucked

Nothing is said by the other side

True power does not need reinforcement

I wouldn’t be surprised if it mocks us

It probably doesn’t because it’s better

It lets us run amok

Bursting with declarations of freedom

And morality and sovereignty

Allegiances so resoundingly stupid

You may find me standing still

Pledging a portion of my existence

To birdsong

But never to an anthem

Attention is commanded not ordered

Perhaps tomorrow I will burn my passport

And be the blade of grass

You so vigorously despise