Collective Embarrassment

The chyron flashes breaking

news—more bombs fall in time for autumn.

An anchor counts the dead

among the living for sound bites.

The sting of death bites.

Steam from a hazelnut espresso lifts

from the lid before me.

The evening news plays

as I snack on thoughts baked in this pound cake.

Smoke billows from residential

buildings to high heaven.

Flames feed on the flesh of the dead.

A fire engulfed the city for collective

punishment—unarmed people are

worthy of death in the eyes of the West.

A hospital hides human shields,

so Tomahawk missiles tore through the structure,

incinerating the sick at heart.

Count it all as strength through peace.

God, what have we become?

By Andy Cooper

From: United States

X: AC0040