[Author's Note: In a television interview with Donald Rumsfield about the torture allegations at Abu Ghraib, he avoided the word "torture" replacing it instead with the euphemism "extraordinary rendition." Hence this poem:]
EXTRAORDINARY RENDITION
This is a term they use
To replace the word “torture.”
Extraordinary rendition
That sounds like fun
like somebody adapted a mediocre book
into a top notch movie.
And oh it takes an extraordinary asshole
to call torture, “extraordinary rendition.”
If you are going to commit mayhem,
could you at least please say her name?
She’s called Torture.
Say her name
Torture: the infliction of severe physical pain
as a means of punishment or coercion.
Torture: to let them bleed out slowly.
Torture,
Is her name, her name
Torture:
The Iron Maiden
The chastity belt
The hanging cages of Babylon
Torture:
Thumbscrews
The wheel
Cat’s paw
Torture:
Saint Elmos belt
The breast-ripper
Judas’ Cradle
The Heretics forks -
The anal pear
Torture
Say her name.
(Note: The instrument shown at the top is called “mutilation shears.” I chose this particular torture device because of the strange dichotomy it represents. The mutilation shears are used to clean up after the torturing. For instance, if the torturer mangled your toes or fingers there would be bone and cartilage dangling, which would be a problem for the torture survivor. The mutilation shears cut off the excess bone and cartilage leaving the survivor with a healthy, clean dismemberment. Torture with a conscience I guess. What a world!
