The Sturgeon
The mechanics of suffering
is not so daunting to understand
it hurts for a while-
gums and bellies pierced by
an unseen passion… and then it is done
the savory-sweet, cherry cough syrup scent
of death dries and disappears, leaving
only impressions in the ample depth of sand
George Cassidy Payne is a poet from Rochester, New York. His work has been included in such publications as the Hazmat Review, MORIA Poetry Journal, Chronogram Magazine, Ampersand Literary Review, Front Porch Review, The Mindful Word, Tea House, The Angle at St. John Fisher College, and 3:16 Journal. George’s blogs, essays and letters have appeared in Nonviolence Magazine, the Fellowship of Reconciliation, Pace e Bene, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, the Havana Times, the South China Morning Post, The Buffalo News and more.