Three Poems by Gary Beck

Avian Hierarchy

 

My terrace is a study

of the laws of survival,

as the birds struggle daily

for the limited food supply.

Sparrows chase the finches,

blue jays chase the sparrows,

doves chase the blue jays,

and pigeons chase everyone.

My guests who relax outdoors,

enjoying a taste of nature

in a city of concrete,

all suggest liberally

that the birds should just get along.

 

 

 

Spring Fever

 

The sum is shining brightly

and we have come out of our warrens

shedding layers of garments,

eager to leave behind

the storms of winter

for outdoor enjoyment

before nostrils flow

with seasonal snivels.

 

 

 

 

Perilous Nudity

 

Winter having run its course

despite groundhog predictions,

we shed layers of garments

until it's warm enough

to bare sun-deprived skin

that must be protected

from ultra-violet rays

with cancerous intent,

eager to penetrate

artificial shields.

 

 

 

 

Gary Beck has spent most of his adult life as a theater director. His chapbook 'Remembrance' was published by Origami Condom Press, 'The Conquest of Somalia' was published by Cervena Barva Press, 'The Dance of Hate' was published by Calliope Nerve Media, 'Material Questions' was published by Silkworms Ink, 'Dispossessed' was published by Medulla Press, 'Mutilated Girls' was published by Heavy Hands Ink and 'Pavan and other poems' is being published by Indigo Mosaic. A collection of his poetry 'Days of Destruction' was published by Skive Press. Another collection 'Expectations' was published by Rogue Scholars Press and 'Dawn in Cities' and 'Assault on Nature' are being published by Winter Goose Press. His novel 'Acts of Defiance' is being published by Trestle Press and 'Extreme Change' is being published by Cogwheel Press. His original plays and translations of Moliere, Aristophanes and Sophocles have been produced Off Broadway. His poetry has appeared in hundreds of literary magazines. He currently lives in New York City .