12 Anxieties for April 12th

By LIESL JOBSON

 

On my side of the glass
POLICEMAN KILLS CAT
are burglar bars
on the other side
“DR DEATH” ACQUITTED
a grille
beyond that
15 KILLED IN TRAIN BLAZE
a high wall
glass shards
BOMB IN PRETORIA HIGH COURT CHAMBERS
protrude underneath
an electric alarmed
PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADMASTER MURDERED AT HOME
fence outside
a bullet-proofed
PUBLIC PROSECUTOR RAPED AND STABBED TO DEATH
vested security
guard protecting
POLICE PARALYSED BY VEHICLE SHORTAGE
my fragile
razor wire gated
MALL COLLAPSE: PLANS NOT APPROVED
community peace
seems a lot
FAMILY DRINKS POISONED WATER
of insecurity
and too much fear
COPS CRUSH BOY SUSPECT’S HEAD
to keep out
seems too much
HUMAN BONES IN POLICE CELL
more anxiety
too much heartache
MAYOR COMMITS SUICIDE
to keep in.

 

 

Liesl Jobson is a writer, photographer, and musician living in Cape Town.

Click here to purchase Issue 04

From the beginning, The Common has brought you transportive writing and exciting new voices. We are committed to supporting writers and maintaining free, unrestricted access to our website, but we can’t do it without you. Become an integral part of our global community of readers and writers by donating today. No amount is too small. Thank you!

12 Anxieties for April 12th

Related Posts

coffee with a spoon

If It Wasn’t for Heroin

AMIYA MORETTA
My Umatilla grandfather / who had one leg, lived down the road, / hobbled to her heroin loyally. / That’s how / my mom and dad, neighbors whose parents / were good friends and fellow addicts, / met as kids, played together / on Frieda Street, those mornings

At night my soul leaves 

KAREN CHASE
up it goes into the stars, for / sustenance. I open / my eyes and pray— / You have returned within me, my / soul with compassion. / Modah ani lefaneka melechai / chai vekayam shehehezarta // I get out of bed, / join the revolution. 

Image of a wooden horse

Trojan Horse

M. B. MCLATCHEY
 It was a gold-seal ruse. A double-/ dealing so sublime the gods ordained / it. Settled into their stadium seats, / they wagered on their favorites. Helen, / the imposter bride, circling and circling  / the gifted horse. / Her Central Casting / lines to the shadows inside.