Clint
In the movie “The Mule”
Clint Eastwood in a
gardening hat
looks like my father
In “The Mule”
Clint says to these people,
“It’s always good
helping negroes.”
and they react and say
“We aren’t called that
anymore,”
and Clint says
something like
“No kidding?”
but that’s it
they all get along
as he changes
as he changes
their flat tire.
At home in El Segundo
my father
has roasted a lamb
There is some news
His granddaughter is now
his grandson
My father
shrugs his shoulders
“No kidding?” he says
and passes
the mashed potatoes.
Jon Bennett
Jon Bennett has credits in Punk Noir Magazine, Horror Sleaze Trash, Bold Monkey and I'm forthcoming in South
Florida Poetry Journal. Jon Bennett writes and
plays music in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood. You can find more of
his work on Pandora, Spotify and other music streaming sites. To find his most
recent publications connect with him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jon.bennett.967. Etsy link: www.etsy.com/listing/720927341/darling-jon-bennett2019
Tags:
Poetry
I appreciate your reply and explanation Mr Rossi but I must still strongly disagree with the use of “Negroes” in the poem Clint. I honestly feel it’s unneeded and offensive.
ReplyDeleteSir, your use of this format to make an issue out of a nonissue is symptomatic of American society. Don’t tackle real issues but pursue imaginary ones as if that substitutes for action. The word and term Negroes” has never been a hateful definition but rather a poor description. In this context the poem is both light hearted and sincere as to further render it even less an issue. I take my judgement and that of my writers with the utmost seriousness regardless of the ultra-sensitivity splashed across headlines and households. I stand by the poet and poem. Perhaps your argument would have at least a veneer of credibility if you hadn’t broke your own claim of accepting my honest explanation and instead attempt to hurt people through anonymity.
DeleteExcuse my two cents but there is nothing offensive about that poem. In fact it slyly supports a more tolerable society. Why are the supposed defenders of diversity often the most intolerant? Sad. But typical. Jeffery R. Doleman
ReplyDeleteIs this how low become in society? Calling people names and expecting the red carpet? The poem is good work with a good heart.
ReplyDelete