when others across the world
suffer the crush of violence
my focus wanes
my mindfulness splinters
my equilibrium screams
how long how long how long
and again why
every breath takes effort
all serenity rattled
if my attempts to hold to the present
unravel and I stagger—
summon the spirits of the dead
whisper their names
though I do not know them—
are my actions those of empathy
sorrow for innocence bludgeoned
or do I only seek a glimmer of survival
a walking cane to aid me
until I regain my footing
step over this knowledge
this decaying humanity
unvividify my imagination of scenes
too far away to witness
horror beats its chest claiming a new win
leaking its vile stench for all to inhale
I withhold my breath
one day one day one day
leaders worthy of the role may lead
« put down that weapon
or we’ll all be gone« *
over there over here they are we we they
I listen to the birdsong after
morning’s rain
from a distance thought I heard
a peace prayer rising
voices across the world refusing
to surrender
I leaned in
and chose again to believe~
*from Midnight Oil’s Put Down That Weapon’
