Poetry Corner with Larry Spiro: April 2026

Cause and effect.  A poem by Lawrence Spiro

I am enclosed in six walls – l can’t feel it
The culpable containment—no, I can’t patiently wait
all because —not to crawl like a bug

Time, yeah it’s time–It’s too late to….
to flap and move out—I can’t find it.
of the seven walls—I’m so lost

I need to sleep—You’re not doing it!
She says hi to me—who are you, where
the lilacs are so fragrant—another inch closer and your dead.

Opened wet and inviting-rage, rage against the sight
Come in! welcome.—you’re not real
I can’t leave—there are too many walls

My neck stiffens
No feeling
No thought
No confusion
No anger
Only madness.
Quem deus perdere vult, prius dementat
And…
I will write of darkness,
Tenebrous air that fills the inner
and shrouds the outer limits.
Interested? Please continue.
I was alone. Are you alone?
You’re not alone?
Then there is no need to continue.
I groped and pressed against the wall
I once let go.
No, do not let go
The fear…
Reach, claw the wall for the little switch.
Clutch it. Flip it.
Feel the flash flush against the foil of darkness,
scintillate and penetrate.
Blink into countless broken tears
and observe the specter of the wretch you were.
Now do what I did.
Push the arch of your mouth up,
count, then stop.
No need to continue.

Santa Monica     by Ethan Bell