Gathering
We all gathered in the main plaza of the yellow city,
young, unshaven men, girls with breasts poking through
their blouses, birds hovered over the eternal void as if
to define its borders and the old man stood opposite
the dignitaries. His snow white beard shone, his wide open
arms invited the undesirable and he looked as if he had just
jumped off the family mirror where our dead stood next
to him, all with long, grey beards too. Flower pots and shrubs
of the square remained silent until the old man started
his discourse, the rain recommenced, birds found shelter
in the bushes, dignitaries run to the closest beer parlour
and our old man with the white beard found his comfort
in the arms of the beggar.
I like those who build the house of Übermensch and
who work the fields the livestock, the crops. Thus
they prepare for their end.
Manolis Aligizakis 