Reversing Malnutrition
Rochelle Holt
i.
Of course, it's appalling
any and all starvation of the heart,
mind and soul
in an overweight, overwrought country
addicted to diet and binge,
excersing and jogging
the body and rin
not the hub&core of spirit,
never the brain, always the brim
while many count calories
and are over conscious
of caffeine, salt or nicotine;
still, some may be concerned
with the evolution of strengthened
not strenuous regime
that requires dutiful and honest
new-truth regimen
when doesn't mean any cutback
in food stamps
or punishment to hungry outofworkers
who strive just to stay alive
in America.
Everything free in America
For a small fee in America!...
Hundreds of flowers in full blooom--
Hundreds of people in each room!
Automobile in America,
Chromium stell in Amercia--
Very big deal in America!*
ii.
So what's the solution
to a cross-wits puzzle
unless we individually personalize
and practice what we preach,
proclaim or believe
with substance
of the inner ear's chadow?
Maybe it's campaigns and letters,
publicity for screams and shouting
to lament-protest remarkable
billboard change
from the way we are or were
stirring ourselves and others
to never deter
regarding care and concern about people
as well as almost extinct owls
on this polluted, vanishing earth
where only the ignorant
still value and trust
worthless pablum, food or word,
for their flesh and mood,
that do no good ever
for the preservation forever
of self and humankind.
(*from West Side Story,
lyrics by Stephen Sondheim)
