Terrorism: The Pot Boils Over

[virtuoso]

Savory spices from the East
turmeric, saffron, chilies, pepper
transplanted to Western soil
a colorful band to season
the haute cuisines
and dialectical discourses
of their democratic connoisseurs

Sweet and spicy aromas blend
the bright, vivid prism
stirred into the melting pot
saffron-robed Hindus
orange-turbaned Sikhs
shadowed by the black burkas
and the white dishdashas
of the devout Muslim

The mellower ingredients
combine with the native palates
the pot simmers
but the virgin extracts
maintain their fiery brand
and the coarsely-spun grains
refuse to integrate
the pot boils

The Internet prophets seethe
local Imams spit vitriol
fanning the flame
the lather builds up
and a few, foaming suds
boil over the edge

When the bubbles strike the burner
a caustic sizzle frights the ears
the sound of whizzing rockets
the whir of popping bullets and
the concussion of exploding bombs
scald unwitting connoisseurs
and the residual steam
singes Western spirits