before their prayers…

 

on a day
with
gathering clouds
those who wore
the mantle of power
chiefs and priests
in
full regalia
climbed
the temple stairs
to speak
to the gods
seeking guidance
for
in their lust
for
life’s treasures
this
chamber of deputies
had lost
the vision
the gods
had bestowed
upon them
when
they reached
the summit
and
stared down
upon the people
that they
had sworn
to serve
as well as
their
future generations
they saw
the underworld
consume
all
who awaited them

 

freedom’s fairytale…

 

let’s read a story
to children held behind bars
this time one that’s true

 

tilak…

you needn’t speak
what
you are
is in
what
you do
it burns
your flesh
from
the inside
giving you
no place
to hide
while the smell
of
your
singed soul
spills
from
your body
marking
you
for
that
which lies
just beneath
the facade
of
your existence

uncontrolled wildfires…

unable to breath
each day we’re suffocating
hate and fear’s wildfires
ravage our humanity
a burnt out shell-nation’s left

your voting resume…

a child
lies dead
drive-by shooting
not uncommon
in this part
of town
no need
for
stares
no need
for
prayers
it’s
just
the way it is
just
the way
it
is
a child
lies dead
a police shooting
not uncommon
in this part
of town
no need
for
stares
no need
for
prayers
it’s
just
the way it is
just
the way
it
is
a child
lies dead
some kind of drug-head
not uncommon
in this part
of town
no need
for
stares
no need
for
prayers
it’s
just
the way it is
just
the way
it
is
a child
lies dead
beaten by her pimp
not uncommon
in this part
of town
no need
for
stares
no need
for
prayers
it’s
just
the way it is
just
the way
it
is
a child
lies dead
no medical care
not uncommon
in this nation
now
no need
for
stares
no need
for
prayers
it’s
just
the way it is
just
the way
it
is

the painted gourd…

life’s dried out remnants
inside a hard hollow shell
like heartless people

a modest hud proposal…

a program
on
homelessness
in america
aunt bea
said
i think
we should
let homeless folks
move into the white house
that would
probably
be a good use
of taxpayer money
but
aunt bea
i said
you do recall
the new guy’s there
she said
child
that’s a classic case
of
the lights being on
and
nobody at home