by Alison Homcy
The Shame
will never be small enough
to cover with the flag
the rag
covered in blood
of your native Brother
colored Sister
working Neighbor
You light the corner
the flames spread
as rapid
as
the european rapists
obliterating the
stolen lands
leaving nothing but dark ash
in the place of dreams
and the dignity of thousands of tribes
rapid
as the lynchings of communities, families,
HUMANS PEOPLE DIGNITY
stripped and ripped through
skin on necks and wrists with chains and ropes
rapid
as the disappearance of a paycheck
sweat blood and time
for weeks
for two days of a breath
gone in an instant
down your throat
but necessary to live so what to do
go back tomorrow
bow your head and keep a smile
waiting for the next feeding
rapid
as the fire roars
and you can hear
the wails of humanity
screaming
shrilling
don’t you dare fucking close your ears
don’t you dare fucking look away
let it burn!
let it burn!!
LET IT BURN!!
