we pretend we are not happening
by Anna Spiro
earth beaten
with our steps
against and away
is there a cup to be filled
if there is no king
to wake us up without fear
of the familiar
we are known under
government name
learned by dissent
there is no room
for your pride
but you spill
over gladly
again tell me
to spit it out
but don't say when
there is no lineage
without people
offer handshake
that cuts apart brothers
to one more man
to a mother's eyes closing
promise perfect end:
you on the other side
water cupped in palms
tell them your name
let them learn it