Cast Out

Cast Out

 

 

“In my name shall they cast out devils.”

 

 

You are hated: of that have no doubt.
Though you do not retreat in a rout,
you are under attack
both in front and in back.
Folks do not want their devils cast out.

 

 

–Tom Riley

Goofiness as Usual

Goofiness as Usual

 

 

Francis lends his support to Barack
in this nuclear deal. Taking stock
of the pope’s clear avidity
for egregious stupidity,
I don’t find this news much of a shock.

 

 

–Tom Riley

Before the Lecture

Before the Lecture

 

 

You mean to grant us now the benefit
of your experience and long reflection?
Oh, lucky us! Our waiting eyes are lit
with expectation of aloof perfection.
Firmly we’ll clasp your every stern correction.
Gladly we’ll kneel to kiss your offered ring.
We yield our secrets now to your inspection.
Your subject, as we know, is everything.
Let your judicious eloquence take wing!
Let your sublime intelligence be known!
Up for advance applause we proudly spring.
For what you have, we beg, we plead, we groan:
more of your wisdom — yea! — and of your wit.
So go ahead, you stupid little shit.

 

 

–Tom Riley