C.H. SISSON
(1912-2003)

You know our planet's news
all the terrible acts
done in silence
in the underground shadows
seen against
this century's mad sky,
taking off the manacles
of the damned
on playground of bullies
swept away
by the arresting fire
of those long hours
in dust
and the sweat of missions,
despite hunger's atrocities
we are still astonished
by your word joy.