memory needs no script

prague, 1968

i never said

i knew enough
to write about the nurturing black soil
of czechoslovakia
or the soviet tanks
crushing every seedling rising in the field
then building expressways
to the money markets
the spring would have to wait
another year
another generation

vietnam, 1968

the planes dropped

burning chemical defoliants
and cluster bombs
emblazoned with
usa     usa
while a new plastic
hit the market
originally designed
for body bags

chicago, 1968

the democratic party
was a lethal machine
before
during
and after
the chicago convention
floodlights and police nightsticks
bayonets in formation
blood throughout the ranks
chemical defoliants
     again

--- e b bortz