Among the Philistines

When the bombs fell I pulled down the shades
Settled comfortably in my warm home
Lowered the lights to rest my eyes
Watched a movie listened to music
Made early dinner of a generous salad
Orange pepper three kinds of lettuce
Cucumber tomato all freshly chilled
Country dressing upon my feast
Cool water from a brimming pitcher
An apple and a cookie to complete the meal
Filed some papers wrote a letter
Read a poem or two at random
Thought of Milton’s  Samson Agonistes
"Eyeless…at the mill with slaves…"
Of dramatic ironies that blind us all
Brushed my teeth when I was done
My lids drooping as night grew deep
I bedded down beneath my quilt
Wind howling rain tapping my windows
Tomorrow I said to myself tomorrow
I will write a poem about Gaza
Tomorrow will be soon enough

12/29-12/30/08

Copyright 2008 by Maurice Leiter

Posted with permission.