Goat Island

On that island wild goats

climb cliffs. Women

govern the place, living

mostly in the mountains.

It is a matriarchy,

which, based on reason

and evidence, advises

the citizenry, including men,

what to do. I've sent for a

brochure. I'm not sure

if I want to apply to live

there. But I'm a man, 

and I don't mind being

directed by experts,

especially if they're women. 

Apparently the fishing 

is good, there's a solid

poetic tradition, and live

music thrives. I'll let you

know what happens with

me and Goat Island. 

hans ostrom 2020

From a Diary of the Plague Year (11)

Kangaroos boppin and hoppin
through Aussie towns,
wild boars busting loose
in Barcelona, mountain
goats getting grub in Welsh
villages. O, come all ye
species into empty human spaces
the plague has opened up for you.

Smog clears, the moon's
asthma's under control,
and the sun can dispense
with its monocle. Baby
sea turtles samba down
an empty beach, sand to sea,
small and free.

Rabbits in suburbia rejoice
Eagles monitor impromptu
migrations from CEO chairs
set up on the wind. Pet dogs
and cats form revolutionary
cells, having caught some
scents of rising wildness
from outside.


hans ostrom 2020