Satyagraha by Mark L.O. Kempf

Satyagraha by Mark L.O. Kempf

I. Spectacle

Gandhi turns his head

to look past his inquisitors.

They see themselves in his glass,

then the sea of Indian faces

absorbed into his gaze

II. The Last Rub

and finally, the assassin's bullet

lay the Mahatma on the ground

and his feet rested

III. Gandhi’s Magic Trick

bowl

plate

sandals

spectacles

pocket watch

August 15, 1947

Author’s Bio: 

Mark L.O. Kempf lives in Southern Ontario, Canada, where he resists the urge to write only about snow, biting insects and big neighbours. Married for over thirty years, he is pre-occupied with two grown boys and an insatiable wilderness canoe hobby. He writes in a wide range of styles, including respectful nods to masters of the 20th century. He has been published in magazines and his poems have hung on art gallery walls. His prime focus is reflecting societal concerns but often with the individual’s personal insight as part of a universal concern. Mark is still panting in pursuit of the art form’s nobler expressions. Publishing Credits include Vox Humana, Short, Fast & Deadly Writer’s Bloc, Great Laker Review, Mid West Mirage, And/Or YouandMe Gallery etc.

To download this poem by Mark L.O. Kempf in PDF, click CLRI March 2012