more Gemstones

August 30, 1973  (I was 28)

more Gemstones

         4

It is a sad fact,

the government does matter.

We are men who have made our own master,

one we thought was benevolent,

above our petty apprehensions.

But now his fears are our own.

Gordon Strachan is alone in the vacuum between planets.

He says, Do not come with me.

Senator Montoya is satisfied to have asked a question.

We each occupy our own vacuum.

         5

Lowell Weicker leads a cheer.

The poor guy has grown hoarse;

someone get him a beer.

He’s a damn good man and he works hard.

He’s not a loner; he’s just dedicated.

He’s going to get to the bottom of all this,

and by God, this won’t happen again.

He is obviously outraged.

He has historical presence.

And ambition must recognize opportunity.

         6

In the heat of August

the snake sneaks off to the woods;

his cold body likes the shade.

His split tongue practices speech,

My notorious reputation is undeserved.

Let us not let the past stand before the future;

Let us rather slide together into the winter sun.

         -Gemstone was the name of Gordon Liddy’s “dirty tricks” proposals to upset operations of the ’72 Democratic Convention and to counteract protestors at the Republican Convention.