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strange disease


your face looks somehow
    slack

        not with age but some
    strange disease

            your tongue slithers in and out
        slicking greasy lies
                like rancid butter
    across rows of microphones

your cheeks spill out
    over insect jaws that work
            mindless as mandibles
        on flickering teleprompts

            your eyes are toxic
    squalid little pools of terror leaking
        shivers from soft busy glows
sea to noxious sea

            your ears have rotted gray
                    deaf as battleship decks
    slack as the torn and tattered flag
        silenced behind you

            your voice is the sound of gravel
    shoveled from the backs of trucks
        with dirt and lime into
long shallow graves

            your hands grope out trembling
        as if overcome by pressure
tapped from ancient soils long ago decayed
                    to putrid pools of loss

                and your head swells grotesque
    to bursting from your dark black suit
        pumped with agendas too fetid
                    for the heart to endure


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Comments

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  • Wowzers!

    your voice is the sound of gravel
    shoveled from the backs of trucks
    with dirt and lime into
    long shallow graves

    Holy moly! That is so powerfully penned! Love the raw emotion that flows throughout this poem. Fabulous work!

    • Zahhar gold member
      August 6
      Edit | Reply
      This was an important write for me. I found myself taking an entirely new direction here. And when that happens, I have access from then on to the concepts utilized and the results of the practice.
  • RRLedford
    July 13

    Edit | Reply

    Brilliantly penetrating to the core

    Sounds like someone had one too many glasses of the Depleted Uranium Kool Aid!
    The sad fact is that the creeps running this nightmare show have accomplished far too many real world senarios that match the darkenss of your well woven image.
    Would the NeoFiltered NeoMedia ever let us see the evil deeds we've done in Iraq, Afghanistan, and soon IRAN - up close and personal - then terror would finally strike where it has remaned too long absent. It would strike us in our hearts, to know that we the people of a once great nation have allowed this to happen. Silence is Complicity! -Armadillo

    • Zahhar gold member
      July 16
      Edit | Reply
      I keep wondering just how the current administration is going to go about stealing the next presidency. Make no mistake, they will. I have a feeling that an invasion of Iran would play an important part in this theft.

      Well, I suppose if they have their way I'll end up writing similar poems down the road. Though I'd love to focus my writing elsewhere, it's difficult to stay off this sort of subject when I see and live directly the damage that's been and continues to be done by the oligarchy and its Empire.

  • Pure Angel
    July 11
    Edit | Reply
    Ilike the description it's very vivd and most creep too .I don't know if u actually meant that but I could so relate it to politicians who are:
    "deaf as battleship decks
    slack as the torn and tattered flag
    silenced behind you"
    Good job!


    • Zahhar gold member
      July 12
      Edit | Reply
      I indeed did mean it! Glad you enjoyed Angel. And thank you for your compliments.
  • molly-moo
    July 11

    Edit | Reply
    Wow, this was very creepy! The title caught me, and this definitely deserved the spotlight. Nice job, very well done
    ~Molly


    • Zahhar gold member
      July 12
      Edit | Reply
      Thanks Molly. Yea this poem has gotten a lot of attention. I like to think this is because it somehow rings true in the mind of the readers, or perhaps even is wholly true in itself.
  • Gorgeous.
  • mwilson50
    July 10

    Edit | Reply

    reminds me of certain

    slimy politicians or even former white house mouthpieces. Very well done. Illustrates the fetid rotting morality in politics today?? Lies rule over all. Well done, bravo!


    • Zahhar gold member
      July 12
      Edit | Reply
      Well, perhaps it's been going on a bit longer than today. Seems like things have been heading this direction at least since the development of America's military complex.

      Thank you for the kudos and the clappyballs.

  • Sun Singer silver member
    July 10

    Edit | Reply
    Wow...this was gross...it made my skin crawl. I feel the sudden urge to shower now. Ewwwwwwww.


    Very well written, it was enjoyably discomforting to read! Keep up the good work. Definately earned that spotlight!


    • Zahhar gold member
      July 12
      Edit | Reply
      Ah good good good! If I've inspired a desire to shower, then the poem has done its job. Maybe now that feeling will come back whenever you see one of these monsters oozing lies through your television.
  • oh my! this just reeks of ....well,...to put it lightly...distaste for some political person lol. for some reason the president comes to mind...I love how you describe the press conference "rancid butter">>>Nice, so very great! And most deserving to be spotlighted!!

    ~Sailor Ptolema


    • Zahhar gold member
      July 12
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you Ptolema. Glad you enjoyed this one. And you caught the direct connection to the "press conference". It's interesting to live in an age where politicians can lie, lie, and lie, and lie some more, while all the while doing obviously horrendous things here and abroad, and no-one seems to bat an eye. Just amazing.
  • well written.

    nice.
    not what i had expected.
    actually it kinda pulled me from place to place.
    i didn't know what you were talking about at first.
    i did get hints of work.
    favorite parts was the one with the slicking greasy lies
    and head swelling grotesque to bursting from your dark black suit


    • Zahhar gold member
      July 12
      Edit | Reply
      Might replace "across" with "over" in that stanza you've pointed out, but still undecided. Yes this is an unusual one. Thanks for having a peak.
  • NICE!

    I really didn't associate this poem with the political realm, until I read other's comments. At first I thought you were talking about the devil, and I guess you were. lol Brilliant write. I would love it if you would read my "Rummage Sale At The White House" piece. If ya have the time, or even want to. Superb penning you have here! Sorry, no smiley guys left, or you would have got all of them! PEACE
    POETDONTKNOWIT
    WRITING IT HER OWN WAY

    • Zahhar gold member
      July 12
      Edit | Reply
      It was meant to be interpretable, though I rather guessed most readers would catch on to the political overtones because of certain phrases.

      Yes, it just could be the devil this poem describes.

      If, after you leave pertinent thoughts as you have, you want to link me, and other readers of mine, to a related poem, you'll find it helpful to actually make it a link and not just the title. I had a look through your list and couldn't find the poem you mention.
  • wow this is great poem!!!

  • ecrivain01 silver member
    July 3

    Edit | Reply

    This sounds like Karl Rove ...

    or maybe Rush Limbaugh ... or both.

    It's sadly all too spot on. We've been cursed with these people for years now, but hopefully November will see a sharp turn in our fortunes. One can hope at any rate.

    You've done an amazingly accurate depiction of a particularly rabid sort of reprehensible radical, and your vocabulary is also spot on. The form you've used even lends itself to your character description since it's loose and untidy while allowing you the freedom to weave your words into it like a little old lady knitting by the fire and watching a video of Richard Nixon disintegrating before her eyes.

    . Rewarded 8


  • ArtFullyMe gold member
    June 29

    Edit | Reply
    Impression - the image screams authority to me.. establishment, rather like the 'agents' in the Matrix movies.. or 'men in black'

    I quite like 'toxic eyes'
    the image I'm left with at the end... is of a politician, not a specific one, though I could easily fit one into the picture..

    or a traveling salesman.. or those people who carry the bible door to door.

    . Rewarded 6


    • Zahhar gold member
      July 2

      Edit | Reply
      Ah yes, Matrix Agents, Men in Black, Assholes at the Pulpit. It all fits.

  • Lady Remi
    June 29
    Edit | Reply
    woooow that was interesting but i liked it

  • Alexiel90
    June 28
    Edit | Reply

    cool

    a little creepy been some time since i've read a poem like this but i loved it

  • Shifting
    June 26

    Edit | Reply
    amazing! So vivid, and strong, like a stench both sweet and wonderfully sour! This creates a very harsh reality!
  • Awesome

    Oooh so graphic. I love it!

  • wow that was so creepy gross sick and twisted....I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!

    • Zahhar gold member
      June 25
      Edit | Reply
      Glad you loved it. All this positive feedback makes me want to take up political poetry. lol But, no, that's not my calling.

  • PolkaDot
    June 25
    Edit | Reply

    omg....

    Omg, that was brilliant......


  • carmen
    June 25

    Edit | Reply
    This, this is why you are my most favorite

    I'm so proud of you, Z. I don't mind breaking more rules for you lol, though I didn't really mean to. Sometimes it takes ignorance to lead us to wisdom. This is what the many people who have been led by my ignorance have discovered--I can see it in the messages before this . This is also one of the lessons that we can somehow draw from our experience with the monster you describe in this piece. Anyways....

    I just dropped by again to register my applause and yes, hugs

    . Rewarded 8


    • Zahhar gold member
      June 25
      Edit | Reply
      I was so surprised with all these comments started coming that I clicked all over looking for where this poem must have ended up. In one of the groups? On the front page? In one of the forums?

      *click-click-click-click-click*

      Then I discover it was you! lol Thank you Carmen for sharing this with people. You've really made my day, week, month, year, life!

  • badddgirl
    June 25

    Edit | Reply

    I stand and applaud you!

    your tongue slithers in and out
    slicking greasy lies
    like rancid butter
    across rows of microphones

    My friend you are amazing!
    The words and imagination here is unlike anything I have ever read!
    I stand and applaud you for penning something so painful and straight to the point, in such a way that it rolls so beautifully from your lips!
    Your a talented poet my friend, holy crap!

    . Rewarded 8


    • Zahhar gold member
      June 25
      Edit | Reply
      Very strong approval! Thank you!

      Well I have yet to try this poem out in a reading venue, but maybe I'll give it a whirl tomorrow. I'd love to print this poem up by the millions, leafing every major American city with copies tossed from aircraft.
  • Labefaction
    June 23
    Edit | Reply
    Wow. That was REALLY good. It disgusted and awed me... that's impressive. Great poem!

    • Zahhar gold member
      June 25
      Edit | Reply
      It's kind of cool that I've been able to convey this sense of extreme disgust I feel upon seeing and hearing GB (or his cabinet members) at the pulpit onto my readers, even without them necessarily getting that this is what's inspired the poem.
      • Labefaction
        June 26
        Edit | Reply
        hmm. I realized it was about corrupt-ness, though not specifically in George Bush. Personally, I think it gives him too much credit... he might do such evil things, but most of what he says is just an expression of his stupidity. (I'm not saying this to criticize your poetry at all. I think it is a great poem.)

  • Rosethorn1 silver member
    June 23
    Edit | Reply
    interesting...


  • DJWebb gold member
    June 23

    Edit | Reply

    Disgusted shocked and impressed! Some fantastic imagery, which gave rise to these emotions. The imagery on the ears and voice was especially strong. I think I might hear the harsh sound of a scraping shovel for the rest of the day.
    I found the beginning of this piece completely repelling. Not an easy thing to do, without being tasteless. It absorbed me straight away.
    The last lines are very provocative and I like the way they read.

    I hope to read more of your work. Great job.


    . Rewarded 8


    • Zahhar gold member
      June 23
      Edit | Reply
      Great thoughts DJ. Glad you enjoyed the poem and found it so provocative and repelling all at once.

      It's rare, in fact near to the point of non-existence, that I write on any political topics, so though you may read more, it's unlikely that you'll ever find another "Bush" poem from me. But I hope you'll enjoy the other sorts of topics I tackle as well.

  • emo001
    June 22
    Edit | Reply
    woahhh i liked the decriptive words

    Thanks for the read

    It was great
  • Virgoan
    June 21

    Edit | Reply
    I like the episodes of thoughts and imagery. The dark taste creeping into thy words proves that you have mastered the art of writing - you have proven that you have versatility and diversity.

    I have seen the visible and invisible world in this write. The form, presentation, line breakage, and vocabulary are sufficient and appropriate - bull's eye to your target readers.

    Hope to see more from you Sir. Thanks for always keeping me in awe.




    HENSLEY

    . Rewarded 8


    • Zahhar gold member
      June 22
      Edit | Reply
      Nice to hear from you Hensley! Yes the dark taste can sometimes creep back into my writing. Once upon a time poetry of a darker nature was the norm for me.

      I think I may send a copy of this poem with my next check to the IRS. You know, I always put "U.S. Treachery" in the "For: " line instead of "U.S. Treasury".

  • britwants
    June 21
    Edit | Reply

    WOW!

    This is crazy! Its awesome! You have some talent!!!!!!!!! Great write! The imagery is sick. I can picture everything! Its awesome!

    . Rewarded 4


    • Zahhar gold member
      June 22
      Edit | Reply
      Thanks for the kind words. I normally don't go near poetry that's even remotely political, because for the most part I'm politically indifferent. But I have to admit to feeling overcome by a singular disgust for our current "leader"...

  • AthenaWisdom
    June 21

    Edit | Reply
    Wow. This is sooo well written! I love the description - the words you use but a very stunning picture in my head. I love the way your words flow together - all in all this is definitely one of the best pieces that I have read on all poetry. Good luck and keep writing!

  • PaiigeBARBIE
    June 21
    Edit | Reply
    this was so beautiful.
    i cried.

  • TexasTUK
    June 20

    Edit | Reply
    I don't even know where to begin.

    You've restored my faith in allpoetry.


    Keep writing stunning poetry.


    xx

    • Zahhar gold member
      June 21
      Edit | Reply
      Now there's a strong statement. Hope you'll still feel the same after you've had the chance to read a few more of my posts here.

  • ISheHer
    June 20
    Edit | Reply
    Wicked cool poem. Awsome word choice, and fabulously descriptive. Very nice.


  • suechtig
    June 20
    Edit | Reply
    not sure what its about, but i like it. cool imagery, obviously very well thought out.

  • holy shit.

    this is tragically amazing;

    the imagery is so...
    twisted,
    and I LOVE it.


  • kissjess
    June 20
    Edit | Reply
    Wow, very, very interesting, PERFECT imagery, I can imagine such a feeble being, and I love the comparisons. I like how you positioned the stanzas, it somehow adds to it. I would like to know what it was about, so if you could put that in the authors notes we could relate to it a lot better. Great job

    • Zahhar gold member
      June 21
      Edit | Reply
      Here at AP I never, or at the most rarely, explain the poems, but my readers tell me what they saw and/or felt as they read. This allows me to see some small distance into the interpretive process of my readers, and to gain insight into how my poem was experienced by another.

  • Judo
    June 20
    Edit | Reply
    Interesting. Very good writing. Quite powerful. Best of luck in the contest.


  • High Flyer
    June 20

    Edit | Reply
    I very much enjoyed the intense energy and the imagery used to portray this piece. It is definitely my style of reading.

    I do feel however, that some of the prepositions could have been eliminated from sections of this piece to give it more drama and depth.

    Other than that puny criticism, I absolutely love it!!


    • Zahhar gold member
      June 21
      Edit | Reply
      Hmm I'm curious: Which prepositions caught your eye?

  • hey, your friend carmen suggested this piece. i love it. i like how it flows and the way you paint it out. so detailed!

  • <

    I see what you mean by correcting me, yes a disease... however as a large part of the 'fabric' which serves to cover up clear thinking and healthy regard towards life, I think it fair to describe it as a face of that which is indeed an enemy to vision more true... and no, of course not personal but global.

    Sol

  • dustookie2 silver member
    June 20
    Edit | Reply
    This is a rant for sure hope it made you feel better to vent.Always good to get it out does no good to keep it in.....


    • Zahhar gold member
      June 21
      Edit | Reply
      Well, I enjoyed finding a creative imagistic mode of expression for the ideas and impressions hidden between the lines.
  • judyjudyjudy
    June 20

    Edit | Reply
    I guess this is someone you don't like very much. It reminds of a poem I wrote about someone I knew back in primary school but this is more extreme.

    The imagery really gets your feeling across. I like "sea to noxious sea".

    Would you be talking about a politician by any chance? The black suit is a clue.


    • Zahhar gold member
      June 21
      Edit | Reply
      Well neither like nor dislike, but definitely someone who has done incredible amounts of harm to our country and its future. The ripple effects from the current administration will eventually rival and surpass the atrocities of Hitler, Albania, and Rwanda combined.

  • mcw120588
    June 20
    Edit | Reply
    your imagery is both gruesome and perfect at the same time. its well written and an interesting read. good work
  • Nicely done, so much to say about this and not enough words to describe it. I really enjoyed the read it kept me interested all the way through and I have a very short attention span when it comes to reading forms of dirty pretty. This flowed well and the imagery is very intense. Thanks to your friend for introducing me to it and thank you for writing it.
    Keep up the good work.
    Corrine. xx


    • Zahhar gold member
      June 21
      Edit | Reply
      Well I hope you'll peruse other posts as you have time. Most of my posts don't go anywhere near politics.

  • ModernXTimes silver member
    June 20
    Edit | Reply
    Very nice. I love the descriptions used and the imagery you created to personify this one (or maybe group of people) person. Very unique and very well written. Great job!

    ~ModernXTimes~

    • Zahhar gold member
      June 21
      Edit | Reply
      I'll admit that the "one" person to inspire the poem and its imagery is the current president of the states. However, as I wrote it I decided it should fit any member of the cabinet, and those like them.
  • Wow the words, images, everything was beautiful. Great work. I have so many people like this in my life...you made something so ugly turn into pure poetry.


    • Zahhar gold member
      June 21
      Edit | Reply
      This was the idea, in part. To take something ugly, really ugly, and turn it into poetry.