How to Create a Killer

Posted on 2022-05-16 by Bartholomew Barker

How to Create a Killer

It’s easy
subtract kindness
add grievance
leave a trail of blood
in the television spotlight
red as maple leaves
in autumn

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About Bartholomew Barker

Bartholomew Barker is an organizer of Living Poetry, a collection of poets in the Triangle region of North Carolina where he has hosted a monthly feedback workshop for more than decade. His first poetry collection, Wednesday Night Regular, written in and about strip clubs, was published in 2013. His second, Milkshakes and Chilidogs, a chapbook of food inspired poetry was served in 2017. He was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2021. Born and raised in Ohio, studied in Chicago, he worked in Connecticut for nearly twenty years before moving to Hillsborough where he lives and writes poetry.
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13 Responses to How to Create a Killer

  1. JeanMarie's avatar JeanMarie says:
    2022-05-16 at 23:46

    A great poem for a horrible event

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
  2. berniebell1955's avatar berniebell1955 says:
    2022-05-17 at 02:50

    Initially, I read your poem and my mind went to Shireen Abu Aqleh. Then I realised you are probably referring to the shooting in Buffalo – more the action of a single mad person than a regime.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  3. Katie Frances Hartless's avatar K.Hartless says:
    2022-05-17 at 21:17

    Unforgettable image, those maple leaves. Do they crumble to dust with the next tragedy, do you think?

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  4. yourplateormine967244485's avatar yourplateormine967244485 says:
    2022-05-19 at 22:08

    💝🙏🏽 thank you for sharing your poem and thoughts.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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