Poem by v.j. calone

The Refound Poem
(a gloss on The Planter by T.A. Niles and Foretells the Moon's Hunger by JC Wayne)
                                                    Edited by T.A. Niles, v.j. calone 12/31/22)

“Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store.
Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more!”
                                                    “How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Dr. Suess.”

Tell me again about hunger my friend,
as I wipe away these crumbs from my beard.
Hearing your words, it's just as we feared
let he who throws the first rock be without sin.

It all started as a thought, a feeling, a seed
born- not out of want, but more out of a need
from he who knew a few things about planting.
A few of his fields left fallow, despite his recanting;

The earth throws up shields, as do its people.
You can touch a soul without (w)ringing a steeple.
Soil conditions, irrigation, feeding and weeding,
how does the color of one's skin lessen the needing?

Yes, he knows a thing or two about supplanting,
robbing Peter to pay Paul through letters while chanting.
Give him a loaf and a couple of fish- now make a wish
then back up that truck and hand him your dish.

And how can so many still be left starving?
How can we, with ourselves, strike this bargain?
Can we at least help to feed our own little corner,
and clothe needy people so they may be warmer?

Whatever does not kill you only makes you stronger,
or stiffens your spine so you last a bit longer.
You can get upset and angry, but I have not lied.
So please lend a hand; don’t stand to the side.

​There are 1000 ways to expire on our earth,
starvation shouldn’t be our very last berth.
Become like the planter think not of yourself,
your soul's also fertile scatter the wealth.

​Click to hear the poet read the poem.

Vincent J Calone poet, playwright, actor, director-
Recent publications include, Long Island Quarterly, Fresh Words An International Literary Magazine, Wingless Dreamer, The 24 Hour Poetry Marathon Anthology and the Haiku Calendar. Appearances @ Spo-Fest, The MUSE @ Neir's, The Muse @ Industry, Jack Jack's, Flash Mob Poetry, Poetry in the Port, PPA, Poetry Street, PoARTry, and Uncloisterd Poets among others. He writes and posts a new poem everyday on Raven Wire Poetry Prompts on Facebook from the daily prompt -continuously since 08/01/22. He's proud to be part of the Wednesday Night Creative Writing Group at the Farmingdale Library facilitated by J R Turek.

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