13 September 2021

Flat Line

 
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What is the line between life and death—
a line not obscured by death in life,
seemingly alive, but hiding
with dead things at hand:
this paper (the death of a tree)
this plastic pen (the death of land and sea)
a usefulness, a profit, life killed (though
well-used, excess can help others live).
 
What is the line between life and death
for those who’ve left everything—escaped—
not me who simply jettisons excess cargo—
What is the line?  The one before the thought
“I’m awake; I’m alive; let me keep moving.”

The line before “As long as I have breath . . . “

 

 My blog poems are rough drafts.

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 If you quote, credit this page.

     © 2021 Susan L. Chast

2 comments:

  1. This is an interesting poem, Susan. Makes one think. I love the three closing lines especially.

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  2. This is exquisitely woven, Susan! I especially like; "This thin time is full of earth, air, water and fire. Certain I am called to teaching
    and word-smithing, but not debate ~ only witness and testify and remember." Happy Halloween and Samhain to you! 💝💝

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