Arnold Skemer

Subterranean Bedlam

In alcoves of the underground
the rat warrens of the insane
group themselves in entities
of a hideous imagination,
all in their holes of residence.

Howling in the night,
not venturing forth but each
in their private hell.
The visitors pass by
in observational mode,
in phalanxes of judgment. 

 

Arnold Skemer, born in the depth of the scruffy, evil Bronx in 1946 on the Grand Concourse into blue collar family. Moved to Queens in 1958. Attended NYC schools, Graduated Queens College 1968. Worked at Social Security Administration 38 1/4 years, retired 2008. Half fictioneer; half poet. Turns out ZYX, predominately poetry magazine, since 1990.