FLOOD

Germain Droogenbroodt

Like wide-open arms
reaching pleadingly to the sky
the branches of a tree
in an area flooded by the storm

Nearby
pleaded heavenward
also of people numerous arms

but in vain.

A VICTIM

Gaza

Not yet closed

but wide-eyed

and full of horror

the eyes

pursed the lips

because time was too short

for a farewell greeting

for a last prayer.

Petrified

At the town square
stands the statue
of a war hero.

He looks ahead
as if he looks to the future
as if he looks for a time without wars
a time of worldwide peace
—but his eyes are petrified.

Cogito ergo sum

For the first time in human history,
technologies suggest us, advise us, give us orders…
                        Eric Sadin

Socrates claimed
that one thinks first, then lives

Descartes confirmed it centuries later:
“I think, so I am”.

But if artificial intelligence
will think for us, will advise us,
will tell us what to do
will we then still be humans or robots?

Athena, my dog

When I need friendship,
and lack human warmth,
I call her and she comes immediately.

When I stretch out my hand,
she offers me her paw.

She cannot speak,
but her eyes say it:
“I love you!”

Germain Droogenbroodt is an internationally acclaimed Belgian poet, translator, and publisher. Founder of POINT Editions and the ITHACA Foundation (Spain), he has published 17 poetry collections in over 30 countries. His work, inspired by Eastern philosophy, has been translated into 40+ languages and praised for its meditative depth. He created the “Poetry Without Borders” initiative and has received over two dozen international awards. His poetry has inspired artists and composers worldwide, and he was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2017.