for Mark Carson

After reading about the hate crime/murder that took place in New York's West Village, that claimed the life of 32-year-old Mark Carson, I was inspired to write this poem for him. Part of a project I started about a year ago, in which I started writing poems that were directly inspired by news articles (ie. the one I posted a while back about the conflict in Syria), this one felt like there was a pressing need to address the growing problem of intolerance that plagues our country. While some may argue that this happens all over the world (which is true), people should be able to manufacture at least some semblance of an idea of what is right and wrong, and taking a human life is wrong, regardless of your beliefs. I just hope, as a human being, that people come to their senses before these "hate crimes" escalate to a place where redemption won't exist. Anyways ... you can read the poem below: This one is for you, Mr. Carson.

For Mark Carson

6th and 8th the sky illuminating that hot, red moon, his breath silent, under the scorching of another glowing star.

He walks, loosening his steps along the gravel, a smile lighting his face, his cheeks flushed with delight, life is good.

The West Village buildings shuffle their toes along the roadside, allow him to pass, allow him to move.

Who is this dark shadow, that emerges from beneath the lighted lamppost. “You want to die tonight?”

Walking faster, he ignores the question, he moves quickly, under the shifting clouds, waiting for the applause.

His knees buckle, in an endless scuffle, for mind over matter. Where does that first bullet land?

His body stretches under that waiting tree, arms outstretched, “the gay angel …” How beautiful you look tonight.

We thought the village was safe, safe from the angry bullets of a hate-filled phantom, yet he's alive in his fury.

No longer a hologram, but full-bodied and steady.

And since this is mainly a music blog, I thought I'd share what I was listening to while I wrote this: Kim Deal's "Hot Shot"



That's all. PEACE.