A Conspiracy Observed

A Conspiracy Observed

Joe Phelan

Once you notice it,
you see it everywhere.

A call and response, 
coded warbles across suspended cables. 

Even the stance of goldenrod, 
in bowed and synchronized array 

a numinous subterfuge 
and collusion of elements. 

The jig is up when the oaks and ashes
show their true colors,

illuminati, surely, 
and scouting parties of ravening gulls

are sighted skirting the established lines
settled by the treaties of summer. 

Imagine my own embarrassment
at the accretion of evidence 

arcane, though indisputable.  
A dupe? A rube? 

The skeptic turns, mutters 
and diverts his desire.

---

Joe Phelan
Writer

Joe writes from the western suburbs of Chicago, where he lives with his wife, two sons and an intrepid street poodle. Heartened by the career of Wallace Stevens, he spends his days on video calls and writes during the commute from bedroom to kitchen.

Photography by Danny Best