Poetry

CC photo

By

John Grey

Platform 1939

People hurry along the platform,

women in plain dresses and head scarves,

men in their long dark coats.

grasping bags and prayer shawls.

and children with one hand free,

the other clutching a favorite toy or doll,

Too slow and they’re prodded from behind by SS

or snapped at by dogs.

They have a train to catch.

They have a grainy, black and white photograph,

to unknowingly pose for.

News Of The Day

I’m one headline

into what’s happening

and already thinking

Are people really like this?

Can no one be trusted?

Somebody slaughters

people he knows well.

Another blows up

complete strangers.

Familial or religious hate?

Lots of demoralizing photos later,

I can’t decide

if there’s a difference.

At least, there’s the sports,

the weather forecast.

My team loses.

Rain is expected.

That’s the best

the news can do.

John Grey

John Grey is an Australian poet, US resident. Recently published in Midwest Quarterly, Poetry East and Columbia Review with work upcoming in South Florida Poetry Journal, Hawaii Review and Roanoke Review.