Jennie rubbed the sandpaper rhythmically along the curved edge of the skateboard deck. On the sixth pass, the gritty paper caught the end of her finger.
"Ow!" Several tiny blood droplets came to the
...
[+]
I can’t do this today
Peering through dirty windows at citizens hiding
behind shells made of unconvincing paper
Masking unspoken fears, unshaven faces, and unrealized
hope
As I sip on day old coffee
Listening to church bells ring meaningless summons
And politicians competing to weave the biggest lie
As the forgotten ones stand in lines separated by social space
To acquire food with borrowed money on borrowed time
From vendors looted the night before
Under the glow of burning cars, burning buildings, burning life
Streets filled with hate for brothers and sisters whose skin is
Darker, whiter, different
I can’t do this again
Sitting hour after hour
Watching, waiting
alone
Behind broken memories
Wondering where you are
Everywhere I look
You are not there
I can’t do this