Stephen Williams

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Apathy

Crowd gathering in the rain on the street
between walls of buildings reaching up
into the dark flame of night, a helicopter coming
in the distant drum of occupation,

the Old Bearded One dead in their center,
declaring just minutes ago
the accumulation of their apathy,
their control so easily administered,

a bullet in his forehead,
a long range shot, sniper somewhere
now drinking a beer, wiping his whiskers,
notching his steel stick, well paid,

the Old Bearded One penniless,
homeless, street preacher few listened to,
finally the crowd wondering if
he had something to say.


Bio:
Stephen Jarrell Williams loves to write, listen to his music, and dance late into the night. He was born in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. His parents are native Texans. He has lived most of his life in California. His poetry has appeared here and there and in-between...


(author retains copyright)