For one final celebration of National Poetry Month, I’ll dip back into my collection of Photo of the Day poems drawn from The Guardian website back in 2019. Three years ago, in the final week of April, the following two images appeared and inspired these poetic responses. The stark contrast between these images needs to be revisited regularly. They bring much needed perspective. Next month, I’ll return to my typical posts and, hopefully, begin writing again. Despite the dry spell, I appreciate those of you who have continued to read, share, and show your appreciation for these opportunities to deepen. Looking forward with hope!
Life Goes On by Vincent H. Anastasi
Somewhere near the port of Tripoli
life goes on
in the sound of children
leaping from an overpass
into the dangers below,
narrowly missing concrete and steel
on their descent to the narrow waterway beneath.
Somewhere on the doorstep of Tripoli
life goes on
in the sound of armored units
advancing on the capital
in the escalating tension
continually manifesting blood and violence
and the distant report of rockets and gunfire.
Portrait of a Selfiest by Vincent H. Anastasi
Shrine of self-obsession, Celebrated distortion, Hand grotesquely large, Foreground fingers dwarf The shrunken head Held at optimal tilt Slight bending of the neck. Designer sunglasses hide The slightly raised eyebrows, Expression of subtle surprise, The self-satisfaction, The fairest of them all Mirrored on the screen Askew with angled view, Smug smile of plump pouty lips, Dental defect disguise, The selfie-ready position, Pinnacle of perfection!
the deepening ground 