The Locusts

Like Joel, I have seen the swarming clouds
of insatiable six-legged locusts,
seen them dressed in tailored Italian suits
and driving slick black cars,

the swarming deregulated sub-prime locusts,
the cutting free-market frenzied locusts,
and the scandalous bankrupted locusts,

and now that the devouring cloud has moved on,
the swirling dark veil has been lifted,
working people across the land
examine the remains of their fields.

Our pensions – devoured
Our factories – closed
Our jobs – devoured
and our homes – foreclosed.

“They’ve left us with nothing, not even laughter.”

(2009)