War-Tear

(on Republican Senator George Voinovich's speech
against confirmation of John Bolton as
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations)

Among the tears kept in Heaven's scroll,
Recorded in divine rememberance
With those shed on the Mount of Olives
Mingled with blood, were those a senator wept
In arguing no enemy of nations
Should ever be ambassador to nations.

Against a kiss-up, kick-down operative,
A twister of intelligence, wreaker
Of retribution, destroyer of dissent,
Strangling his language in his tears he pled,
Swelling the crystal river, orient pearl
In sobbing sorrows for each boy and girl.

Against the red tide in the affairs of men,
He called on Justice not to slumber there
In Congress chambers where the River Lethe
Steeps in forgetfulness (lest statesmen's senses
Perceive how Bush, in labor for our loss,
Bangs one more blasphemous Bolt-on to the cross).

Against that outcome several sources flow
In contradiction of the White House lock
And pour in flood, as once the sea Moses
Commanded, deluged Pharaoh's chariots.
Behold! Now one man's woe becomes a flood.
Blood spills for oil, yet water drops for blood.

O dint of pity, let thy lungs fetch breath
That may proclaim thee louder, for the blood
Of Abel from the ground cries out
To Him whose cleansing blood for mercy fell.
Bear witness, Father, from thy holy seat:
Tears in the Senate, bloodshed in the street.

May 2005