Two Poems by Gary Beck

Dead Zones, a poetic explanation

A dangerous process begins

when nitrogen-rich nutrients
from agriculture and sewage
spill into coastal waters
by way of rivers and streams
and stimulate the growth
of photosynthetic plankton
on the surface of coastal waters.
When organisms decay
they sink to the bottom
and are decomposed by microbes
that consume large amounts of oxygen.
As oxygen levels drop
at the bottom of the sea
most animals cannot survive.
Dependents of the sea,
human and animal alike,
suffer the consequences
of diminishing food supplies
as our oceans become sterile.

Hierarchy

The doves sit in the tree

afraid to come to the terrace
because big dove is here
and will peck any bird
who tries to share the feeder.
When he's eaten enough
the other birds land
and the struggle begins,
the feathers fly,
in the age old conflict
for dominance.

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 was published by Indigo Mosaic. A collection of his poetry 'Days of Destruction' was published by Marie Celeste Press. Another collection 'Expectations' was published by Rogue Scholars Press, 'Dawn in Cities' and 'Assault on Nature' are being published by Winter Goose Press. His novel 'Extreme Change' was published by Cogwheel Press. His original plays and translations of Moliere, Aristophanes and Sophocles have been produced Off Broadway. His poetry and fiction has appeared in hundreds of literary magazines. He currently lives in New York City .