Pillars of Salt

I defy

biological and sociological

obligate imperatives

casting my lot

to the winds

freeing my ka

of all

preordained, preconceived and predestined

encumbrances

fleeing this crowding and confusing

realm of castrations and obfuscations

I escape

the grasping, greedy hands

seeking an alternative path

undeterred

by family and friends

politics and agendas

their expectations

and obstructions

in this ambiguous, ambitious world

where the golden flaxen lie

is spun into truth

and transformed

into facts on the ground

where truth exists

but is relative to desire

and the needs of the few

complex enough to confuse even Lot

where we are all

subsequently and consequently

compelled and sacrificed

to become pillars of salt

invoking cries

of Carthage, 200 oily, silver talents

and subordinance to the new Rome

whom I remain determined

to defy.

Note: Originally published July 2007 by Language and Arts