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