VELDMAN, Vick



What matters

(to our daughter)

Small things remain:

the peace of rustling poplars,

the yellow buttercups and grass growing green,

the smell of wood after vernal showers,

the smile, the blush on a girl’s cheeks,

the warmth of your name,

the child’s hand at the window,

the tear making clear:

“I’ll be there.”

Shakespeare revisited

A tale of vengeance told,

a son’s duty to a father's

dark and restless soul.

The mind does wrestle,

with thoughts profound,

seeking deep redressal.

In ample solitude we sigh,

amidst life's uncertain sea,

pondering the reason why.

In madness we disguise,

to unearth the full truth

where treachery abides.

Our tale now takes a turn:

a tale of guilt and yearning,

as wicked desires burn.

Power's thirst unbound,

with lasting love and loss,

and bloodshed all around.

We find our hearts entwined,

mirroring our wayward souls

in the fate of humankind.

Behold the unfolding grace,

odds call for deep wisdom,

for a journey into space.

Uncanny, strange reflection

of man's frailty, while we

pursue eternal resurrection.

Ukrainian diatribe

How long*, malicious Putler,

will you defy humanity?

With your filthy oligarch clique

you make the whole world sick.

How long, phoney Putler,

do you send bombs and missiles?

Democracy and freedom are slain

and we just buy oil, gas and grain.

How much longer, rotten Putler,

do you keep lying, threatening,

at giant tables in palaces?

Europe will pay the price,

trembling behind Uncle Sam's back:

all those killings, millions on the run.

* Cicero: Catilinarian Speeches