After Riefenstahl
The screen's fabrications remain. A film
shot never fails, sailing through the century
like a black V at the hour of moaning.
I premiere these pontifical birds: villagers march
and raise their arms, Marschlieder. Thus I am
your sweet messenger glittering more than first stars,
a harvest of light concealing your nicks and little deaths.
My comrade, my camera, my power, my fury,
my triumph, my will: do you not also,
my love, flicker in a cathedral of terror?
Copyright Credit: Major Jackson, "After Riefenstahl" from Holding Company. Copyright © 2010 by Major Jackson. Reprinted by permission of W. W. Norton & Company, Inc..
Source: Holding Company (W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2010)