ENCOUNTER WITH THE ANTHROPOCENE
A woman
is standing at the bottom of an escalator
directing passengers
to departure gates
in the King’s English
She enthusiastically
repeats instructions
without
altering pitch
or tone
She is well dressed
not one wrinkle in her clothing
not a strand of hair out of place
A woman
who is never late for work
doesn’t call in sick
never requires maternity leave
doesn’t accept a paycheck
A lady
who smiles
and looks every customer in the eyes
without blinking
because she isn’t real
feels no empathy or guilt
as she outsources the
human
from
human beings
Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes was born and raised in San Diego, California. He attended Herbert Hoover High School and went on to study Religion and Theology at the University of San Diego. His book Intimate Geography, published by Ragged Sky Press, won the 2012 San Diego Book Award for Poetry. Ish, as he is known, has also written lyrics for German musicians Andrea Hörkens and Thomas Roderburg (Tender Art).
Latest posts by Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes (see all)
- Word’s Out | Geo-Poetic Spaces - December 14, 2018
- Political Love Affair | Geo-Poetic Spaces - December 7, 2018
- Deer Tracks | Geo-Poetic Spaces - November 30, 2018
