Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 19 (September 1998).
…..
Ah the rarity of the air
left him quite afraid
that he’d find no shade
to protect from the glare
There were no tall plants
not even a row of maize.
Under the continuous blaze
he quickly shed his pants
(His legs already golden brown.)
At home in his den
were the letters from the men
who were responsible for the town
It was because of them he was sent
to melt under this hellish firmament
….
The above excerpt illustrates the effect of
the Politburos’ attempt to force artistics
into science….
Poem copyright © 1998 R. Garfield
Artwork “Red Giant” copyright © 1998 Kelly McLarnon
