Denney 10-24-01

talking heads on my tv
saying how I've got to be
calm but maybe not too calm
aware but they don't know for how long
experts and the analysts
making statements shaking fists
it all means this or maybe that
and what it is and where it's at
and how they think it came to be
this complicated tapestry

don't try to tell me the news if you don't know
don't try to tell me the news if you don't know

writers thinkers at the gate
charging out a little late
but just in time to comment on
what went awry or simply wrong
and make the panel or the press
and theorize or simply guess
will anybody shake their head
and cry for all these people dead

don't try to tell me the news if you don't know
don't try to tell me the news if you don't know

the obligation must be strong to
wrap it in a simple song
and wave the flag or picket sign
adjust the marketing design
somewhere out there there must be
someone else who feels like me
that simple answers won't allow
the wisdom we might need right now
and can't believe it anyhow
and can't believe it even now

don't try to tell me the news if you don't know
don't try to tell me the news if you don't know

the blood-soaked sands are far away
far outside the camera's play
a hard to measure distance from
the smoking ruins here at home
faces of the children here
bewildered as the children there
while politicians pose and pray
for one more re-election day
and issue one more press release
on how we have to fight for peace

don't try to tell me the news if you don't know
don't try to tell me the news if you don't know
don't try to tell me the news if you don't know
don't try to tell me the news if you don't know
"Art. Art. Art. If you say it enough you sound like a barking dog."
Carol Denney