Brothers
This was written in 1989 after the body of Roberto Calvi was found hanging from Blackfriars Bridge in London. He was meant to have committed suicide, but that would have been so difficult that many people believed immediately that it was murder. Calvi was a banker connected to the Vatican and he had links to organised crime. Bricks in his pockets, and some other symbols, suggested his death could be connected to freemasonry. Specifically, the powerful Italian lodge Propaganda Due. More recently, the mafia have been accused of his murder. The 'Gelli' referred to in the poem is Licio Gelli, also known as 'God's banker'. The reference to Bologna concerns a terrorist bombing of Bologna railway station.
Brothers
Brothers tied in secret bonding, Meet at night and intone rites. Sworn to fight each others corner, Stand together, side by side.Fraternal bonds are sworn in earnest, Traitors will be disembowelled. Tongues torn out from secret breakers. Savage oaths are learned then vowed.
The architect receives their blessing. Jabulon, their compound god. They fete the builder of the temple. Solomon's sepulchral arc.
Do they just have mystic purpose? Giving praise, and doing good. Intoning harmless rites in aprons. On the level, as they should?
No, the task is much more furtive. Forming bonds for future use. Granting brothers petty favours, Or great corruption and abuse.
P2, the prime of masons lodges, Represents the goal they seek. Buying politicians favours, Foul exploiters of the weak.
The world they seek is far from mystic. Papal banking, fascist bombs. While widows of Bologna weeping, Gelli still is rich and strong.
Copyright © 1989 Malpoet
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