On the island proper, I am in conflict
with the governor – who holds no such office,
only power he has taken to his own name
with the strength of idiots whom he has armed.
He is no man of god or gods, a beast
enjoying timely fortune without ethics.
He answers propositions with mayhem
in his vindictive sentences, exiling the weak
to isles below high tide one day in six.
His words are oil which smoothes the prison locks.
-----
Lawrence Upton
Visiting Fellow, Music Dept,
Goldsmiths, University of London
New Cross, London SE14 6NW
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