poem Inner Lincoln (2009 & 1997)

INNER LINCOLN (2009)

The original
Republican. There he sits:
bearded, observing.

Yes, yet another
old marble giant. Tired and
visibly aging.

Ready to retire.
Let the people complete their
emancipation.

INNER LINCOLN (1997)

Majesty brooding.
Swamp temple for a nation.
Children of Africa unbound your legacy.
Blood war bad marriage depression prima donna generals couldn't break you.
In death you're larger but still humble still alone.
Stone chips flake from your old walls.
Darkness consumes you.