Clint




Clint



In the movie “The Mule”

Clint Eastwood in a

gardening hat

looks like my father

In “The Mule”

Clint says to these people,

“It’s always good

helping negroes.”

and they react and say

“We aren’t called that anymore,”

and Clint says

something like

“No kidding?”

but that’s it

they all get along

as he changes

as he changes

their flat tire.

At home in El Segundo

my father

has roasted a lamb

There is some news

His granddaughter is now

his grandson

My father

shrugs his shoulders

“No kidding?” he says

and passes

the mashed potatoes.




Jon Bennett

Jon Bennett has credits in Punk Noir Magazine, Horror Sleaze Trash, Bold Monkey and I'm forthcoming in South Florida Poetry Journal.  Jon Bennett writes and plays music in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood. You can find more of his work on Pandora, Spotify and other music streaming sites. To find his most recent publications connect with him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jon.bennett.967Etsy link: www.etsy.com/listing/720927341/darling-jon-bennett2019

4 Comments

  1. I appreciate your reply and explanation Mr Rossi but I must still strongly disagree with the use of “Negroes” in the poem Clint. I honestly feel it’s unneeded and offensive.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sir, your use of this format to make an issue out of a nonissue is symptomatic of American society. Don’t tackle real issues but pursue imaginary ones as if that substitutes for action. The word and term Negroes” has never been a hateful definition but rather a poor description. In this context the poem is both light hearted and sincere as to further render it even less an issue. I take my judgement and that of my writers with the utmost seriousness regardless of the ultra-sensitivity splashed across headlines and households. I stand by the poet and poem. Perhaps your argument would have at least a veneer of credibility if you hadn’t broke your own claim of accepting my honest explanation and instead attempt to hurt people through anonymity.

      Delete
  2. Excuse my two cents but there is nothing offensive about that poem. In fact it slyly supports a more tolerable society. Why are the supposed defenders of diversity often the most intolerant? Sad. But typical. Jeffery R. Doleman

    ReplyDelete
  3. Is this how low become in society? Calling people names and expecting the red carpet? The poem is good work with a good heart.

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