A Weight of Tears

This is nothing short of remarkable poetry, Josh. Good luck in the comp!

Thank you for such high praise - sometimes a long (and frustrating) gestation with a last-minute scramble as the dead-line approaches digs out something extra from the inner world. I certainly felt it with this poem. As a process it was uncomfortable, and reminded me of the first time jumping out of an aeroplane { with a parachute of course  :)) }

That's an excellent analogy. And not knowing when too pull the ripcord.  

Haunting in it's details, a dystopian shadow that gives pause. Wonderful write Josh.

Thank you Daniel. Yeah, the dystopian element I feel now is very much like in the 1930s (which my parents experienced - and my wife's parents (German) experienced as Hitler rose to power). Their accounts have shaped my sensitivity to the language-twisting used in 'politics' as increasingly restrictive and extreme measures/tactics become 'normalised'. Lorca's decision to stay (as opposed to some of his friends leaving for France) seems so vitally 'present' in today's migration stories, and tragedies - with knife-edge life-&-death decisions being played out on river banks etc.
I think I had such scenes strongly in mind as I wrote.

Someone I cannot immediately recall said that oppressors always appropriate the terminology of freedom to their purposes. I've heard the rise of fascism in the early twentieth century called the rise of propaganda, suppose that's true in the modern sense of broad dissemination, but we know such tools have been in use as long as their have been civilizations. I memorized many of the names of the concentration camps. Figured it was something that deserved to be remembered.

Thank you for the comment. You are so right about how quickly oppressors comandeer any new language of 'freedom' and twist it to their own purposes.
Like you say, language as a tool of repression has been around a long time (Horace's "Dulce et decorum est, pro patria mori" {1st century BC} springs to mind - last used in earnest in the lead up to WW1).
Remembering the names of the concentration camps - that's a very interesting idea - thank you.

This is truly one of those poems that leaves the reader bereft of words.  

Best of luck in the comp.

Thank you - reflecting on it (see comments above) I realise now it was a deeper cathartic experience than I was consciously aware of at the time of writing. Some things are hidden from us until after the event, no doubt with good reason.

Great entry Josh. It leaves me with the heartache of what if's and what could have beens of the poets cut short. Good luck on the comp sir.

"the heartache of what if's and what could have beens ..."
... this sentiment often gets under my skin, particularly with family photos which include 'young faces in uniform' who died in the wars - uncles and great uncles - sometimes I feel I am living 'on their behalf' not so much to prove they did not die in vain but more a sense of healing my ancestors' unlived lives. One reason I'm sure why I jacked in my comfy academic post in 2000, and took the plunge into something different.
Perhaps that's what drives us regarding our poetic endeavours ?

Truly great poetry I very much dig this! 👏

Thank you Hunter for the read and comment. I'm intrigued to know what aspect you felt was particularly appealing. I'm also curious about what's behind a 'Shaman among machines' - it's a very alluring self-description.

the essence of tears & love & humaneness...when you say this stark in its prematuredly burial ..in all its coarsely inhumanely un-love..its nothing but digs heavy in its poetical depths so sharp & nuanced in your pithiness. I must say i am here for the essence of this write shaking me in its flowing vigour..but the greater part also goes to the prompt of comps. & poets remembered in their classical works & rigour ..in that way my bows to Ahavati & Blaze ..n you are always adored  for your spirited entries in comps .in a moving way of your verses. thanks for the read & will list this :)  
uma

Thank you Uma for such a considered and helpful response, and for the RL.  I agree with you that JB & A have gifted us all with this comp series they run; it makes me learn more about poets, past and present, and their contribution.

The reversal of opposites...such a powerful piece of ink Josh.
Cheers...Harry

Thank you Harry for reading and commenting again. Have a nice week-end. All the best, Josh.