I Burned a Book Today

I burned a book today. The author will remain unknown his words unread, yellow pages untarnished by the grit of hungers need his ideas set free upon the wind disembodied ghosts hoping for redemption I passed a library today. its shelves stripped of error’s errors dark corridors leading to locked rooms suffocating the voice of freedom. I wrote a poem today etched my heart upon the paper baptized it with my tears nurtured each word melded them into a union of mindful contemplation I passed a mob today chanting incoherently carrying contradictory signs demanding unity, equality and justice. after the riot and looting I went home and I burned a book today. John G. Lawless 3/21/2021