Behind Broken Memories

I can’t do this today Peering through dirty windows at citizens disappearing Behind shells made of unconvincing paper Masking unspoken fears, unshaven faces Unrealized hope As I sip on day old coffee Listening to church bells ring meaningless summons And politicians competing to weave the biggest lies 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 torched cars, flaming buildings, and burnt down lives that don’t matter 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 alone