By Michael E. Kelley
(Hardback 11 x 8.5, $24.95, 74 pages, with 47 full color illustrations)
God’s Broken Machine by Michael E. Kelley, is his second collection of powerful poetry and outstanding art. He has spent most of his life behind bars in some of the toughest prisons in the US and his poetry speak to his past life, regrets and sorrow. The poems and art depict precious pain, sweet memories, and the multiple identities he has lost along the way. He does not blame others for his criminal acts, nor beg to be excused, and takes full responsibility for his action. However, he hopes that each reader will read the poems, look at the art, see and feel the loss and some how find it in their hearts to be kind, compassionate, and humane to those less than themselves.
INTRODUCTION
God’s Broken Machine, is my second book of poetry combined with art. I chose this title because it is what I am, among various other unsavory titles. This book is a collection of my poems, with my art: line drawings, color drawings and paintings. The poems and illustrations depict precious pain, sweet memories, and the multiple identities I have lost along the way.
What you’ll find within these pages, are the end results of a bullied and marginalized life. However, I don’t blame others for my criminal acts, nor do I beg you to excuse them, and I take full responsibility. Nevertheless I do pray for understanding and forgiveness. Both of which are in short supply.
It is my hope that everyone who picks up this book will read the poems, look at the art, see and feel the loss and somehow find it in their hearts to be kind to those less than themselves. In short be compassionate and humane to the person next to you.
God’s Broken Machine
What was the line, and what did it mean.
Can life really be lived and appear so clean.
This claptrap crap sounds like dream,
But then again I’m just one of God’s broken machine’s …
I sit and listen to society’s garbage, till I wanna scream.
Sometimes I’m just glad I can’t be seen,
as this life seems fit only for the drama queens.
But then again I’m just one of God’s broken machine’s
War in the Middle East, bombings, killings, teenager’s
acting like beasts, seems as if the devil’s having a feast,
it’s no wonder that Jesus is still on his knees.
But then again I’m just one of God’s broken machine’s
Doin’ my time, penance for my unspeakable crime,
so what I see and say ain’t worth one thin dime.
Half of you act like you ain’t even human kind.
But then again I’m just one of God’s broken machine’s …
Cell phone and tones, you pay your neighbor no mind,
No wonder your children tell you to kiss their behind.
Your wife, or your lover, you just ain’t got the time.
It’s grime you need to clean, just noise from God’s broken machine.
