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

 

 

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