Mafune: A Poem by Donny Winter

Mafune

Donny Winter

from Feats of Alchemy, Alien Buddha Press, 2021

The bystanders gazed un-phased

as an accident ripped me away,

while the bully, bold with brawn,

exacted revenge in his own way.

One became many, and everything they’d say

would tear through this body, then ricochet,

bounce between these ribs until they’d puncture

inside, immobilized like prey.

Some would pity me, some would pray

until the cliques thought me a stray,

so, they’d rebuild these damaged goods,

listen to every word, then relay.

They’d compliment to fill these gaps with clay

when machines should be soldered with no delay,

and they’d use me to raise their monsters from slumbers,

control them, and let them invade.

Finally, when filled with dismay,

they’d see the error of their ways,

but it’s too late for we cyborgs forged to fit in

because inside, we fade in radioactive decay.