The Shine Journal
Exceptional Flash, Poetry, Art and Photography!
Bandit Nights 108
by
Sergio Ortiz
I am tired of this monotonous, sedentary
afternoon in which long face gentlemen vociferate
their ignorance of the Afghan war.
Dazed afternoon under the scorching sun
watching a mangy dog get up off the floor unconcerned
with the child who just got shot by its side.
I want to emigrate, find nights sharpened
by the owl’s eye,
nights full of bandits and consumptive whores.
I want to crumple up like the wasp’s neurosis on my bed.
Oh, outlet city... how is it that my poems are born
in this ferocious village? What empty lines did I mistake
for an oasis, dark-dense people
full of shady passions?
Motivation: I wrote this poem because when I see the photo of a young man or woman lost in the Afghan conflict I am shaken.
Bio: Sergio Ortiz has a B.A. in English literature from Inter-American University, and a M.A. in philosophy from World University. His poems have been published or are forthcomingin: Autumn Sky Poetry, 3LightsGallery, The Smoking Poet, The Acentos Review, Poesia, The Shine Journal and many other journals. He has traveled and worked throughout South, Central, and North America. He currently lives in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Email TSJ:
shinesubmit@fastmail.us
