Reliving Old Jericho

By William Robbins

Death and destruction
filet the salutes
leaving rubble --
epitaphs and eulogies
turn the wind
to concrete.
But the sun
bakes time
into an hour glass
till the old vanquished
comes goose-stepping
over the graves.
Sonnets of optimism
and courage,
banners to all
kissable yes's
were consumed
by a flame
of cold recalcitrant
objections.

Copyright 2001