dr. mabuse

[constantine]

explosion at the munitions plant!
arson suspected at chemical works!!
rumors of conspiracy - stocks plummet
government on verge of collapse
dr. mabuse smiles vacantly
ensconced in his straight-jacket, safely
behind bars for the public's welfare
feigning catatonia?
his eyes hint of intelligence
rumors persist of his latent powers
his peculiar brand of mesmerism
that enables him to see through other men's eyes
to act through the actions of others
but yet, his notebooks
are a matter of public record
all that he has written has come to pass
his denial of the basic tenets of civilization
a reign of evil, where the strongest will takes all
for it is only with the denial of restraints
the tedious mewling of priests and moralists
the ancient covenants with some rustic deity
that man can transcend the limits,
the bondage and yoke
of his own weak and pitiful nature
are these the ramblings of a madman?
the events of the past weeks
duly reported by respected journalists
and investigated by various committees
would seem to prove otherwise

[still.trucking]

Perfect.

[constantine]

thanks jack. saw the testament of dr. mabuse recently - what a treat! i tried to capture its tone and feel. i've been thinking about it - the possible historical/political implications of the film. is lang making a political statement shrouded within the melodrama? i think so - and it certainly has perennial relevance - if taken in those terms. a wonderful film, regardless.

[still.trucking]

Never heard of the movie but I think you succeeded in creating a poem out of it.

The reason I said perfect was
after reading the first time I wanted more
I wanted you to go on with the story
but after reading it a second time
I realized it was perfect as it was

perfect:
complete and whole: complete and lacking nothing essential

reminded me of something I read about flash fiction

http://www.litkicks.com/FlashFiction

[constantine]

you should check it out - i'm pretty sure you would enjoy it. fritz lang did some heavy shit!