JEFF KLOOGER

Not Seeking Forgiveness

no face is empty
even the executioner extends his hand
the flowers beam like sunsets

with the ink still wet on the documents
they give me back what I never wanted
while parts of me decay behind my back

cold clatter of boots on stone
I open my mouth
and hope a human sound will come

not seeking forgiveness
I make a season for my own sorrow

Jeff Klooger’s work has been published in a number of Australian literary journals, including Meanjin, Overland and Westerly. He has a PhD in social theory and philosophy.