THE SOCIALISM OF THE HEDGE

THE SOCIALISM OF THE HEDGE

 

It does not enjoy

vivid colours

of rose or hibiscus,

but presents solid green,

symbolizing strength,

unity of purpose,

each cooperative branch

supporting a common goal -

to assuage the force

of aberrant baseballs

or shoes tossed frivolously

through the air.

 

Branches intertwine

in orgiastic fusion

like garter snakes embroiled

in their roiling mass,

procreating - in Wood Buffalo Park.

 

A protective shield,

Musk Oxen backing off

wolves that seek their young,

our public school safety drill

when we hid under desks

awaiting Russian bombs.

 

Reviews

[JE Falcon]

I remember those days of warning sirens and duck-and-cover, not that it would have done any of us any good in southern California. In the 1950s, so-cal was home to a slew of defense contractors, air, land, and sea; a first strike area. --- Russia, on the other hand, hasn't changed much, politically. There were doctorial Zar's, then doctorial Stalin, now doctorial Putin. Oh well(?). --- Your poem brought back some fond memories, not the warning sirens and duck-and-cover, but the times aside from the threat.

[Mike Keenan]

When I was a kid in the 50's, we feared the Russians, and in Canada, we were taught to take shelter under our desks at school when they dropped THE bomb - unfortunately like Ukrainians now. When our amateur hockey teams played their army team in the Olympics, it was Armageddon. We were not allowed to play our pros. We hated the Ruskies. Thanks for your comments.

[knighngale]

oh wow, that's great. the 50s eh? Russia is now like you mention in war with Ukraine. Our President, Joseph Biden is neutral. It is so trepidating right now. I'm so scared for Ukraine. :D

[knighngale]

oh wow, its very intrinsic, but dissociative also. U understand there is happiness, but then it falls. Please, invoke what year it was, great read! Love it very much, :D