Jason O’Toole

Jason O’Toole
is a Rhylsing Award nominated poet, musician, and elder advocate. He is the author of two poetry collections published by the Red Salon, Spear of Stars (2018) and Soulless Heavens (2019). Recent work has appeared in anthologies, and journals including Avatar Review, The Scrib Arts Journal, Alien Buddha Press, The Wild Word, and Beliveau Review. He is a member of the North Andover, MA Poet Laureate Committee.

Pity

To kill your god,
an easy thing.

Could write him off the show,
doxx him,
say his true name,
interview his ex-wife.

You’d replace him
with something worse.

Another god who shares
your worst opinions,
encourages you to punish
his many enemies,

forgives you for hurting
his friends.

I let him live,
your terrible god.
Live to afflict
his stalwart believers,

wad them up,
into his seat cushion.