poetry

Armageddon was born in America (2 poems)

[Daybook 2026 // Winter 2.28.26 and 3.4.26

2.28.26 [On the news we started another war in the of God]

Woke up at 6 with the dogs, let them out and rummaged around for their breakfast,debating the finer points of wakefulness and coffee or more sleep. Scrolled the outside world and learned about the new war: one more conscription writ in blood to maintain an empire that was never meant to be. Let the dogs back in, gave them breakfast and fresh water. Climbed back in bed, because sleep and comfort are fleeting

when the bombs are flying.

3.4.26 [Notes from Baltimore on the second coming]

People forget Armageddon 
was born in America. It's in
all the stories, buried deep
waiting to rise again
when fervor needs whipping up.
There is no redemption in America
without a Tribulation and when
John Nelson Darby started singing
his Pre-Tribulation song, Joseph Smith
was rubbing magic rocks
and dreaming of Utah

around 30 years before the Civil War
when it was possible for a man
to attend church Sunday day
and abuse slaves Sunday night
and call it all the Kingdom of Heaven.

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2025, America, Autumn, Ohio River Valley Literature, poetry

Autumn 2025: 20-22

20.

the seasonal temporary heat
interrupted by the pounding rhythms
of approaching boots

21.

a manufactured state of emergency
the screams of children on burning playgrounds

22.

today, today play with the fire
light the burners long abandoned
in soul boilers

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