It is impossible to kill and question at the same time*

 * Title excerpted from "Liberation" by Louise Glück

 

I once read a philosopher who asked:
What would you kill for?
a straightforward question
my answer just as simple: nothing. 

I’ve journeyed to the Capital
by bus and by train
carried signs, marched, sang 
at ground zero of world power.
(I thought singing my heart out
would change other hearts.)
Let those in far-off lands
solve their problems in their own way,
I demanded.

One day, a bystander challenged me:
If it were only that easy!
Really
it's that difficult to stop killing our brothers and sisters?
But wait--
        career generals
             defense contractors
                   military alliances
                       distrust of the Other
                                       national pride
                                          lust for hegemony
                                               thirst for oil

That’s why peace is not so easy
and why to liberate we kill.

Autumn Walk

Out for a walk as storm clouds gather
Got to beat the pending hurricane

Joggers and hikers share my idea
Darting as fast as they can

The asphalt-paved railbed soon will be plush
With a carpet of rain-soaked leaves

The mossy rug lining the craggy rocks
Will turn a deeper emerald green

Incense will rise from the pungent wet grass
As crickets call from their hideouts

And as though they’re in love with autumn itself
The birds’ chirping will sound like a kiss.