50

I am "Panchita Paloma" from "Papa Dulce", Mejico - I have come to Coconino County to pour the balm of calm, and peace among its warring, battling, belligerent population - I am the Plenipotentiary of Peace, the Ambassador of Amity - and - it is my mission to make a dove cote out of this eagle's aerie -

...

"Officer Pupp" must be made to see with clear, undusty eye the bright beam of concord - and toss into oblivion his implements of carnage - his club, cap, badge, buttons, and braid - and fare forth into the chaste, calm, and charity of a pacific populace.

(George Herriman, 30 Dec. 1928)

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56

Written With Sorrow
(after Mehmet Emin Bozarslan)

The cells are narrow and dark
we dwell with cockroaches and rats.
Our story grows, watered by tears
and the desires of sundered lovers.

New tales run freely as blood
on once calm Kurdish mountains,
our lives will live on in legends
and the interlacing of songs.

Inspiration does not grow from
club, cap, badge, buttons and braid,
but lifts from longing, slips through
the prison bars on gentle breath.