Short Staffed Poems

My back aches from all the people that have stabbed me,
I’m falling fast, I just need someone to grab me,
My face frowns from all the people that have laughed,  
My mind is under pressure, overworked & under staffed,
My heart is shattered from all the times that it’s been broke,
My words are silenced from all the times that I’ve choked,
My body’s cold from the death that I feel inside,
6 ft under or spread my ashes is fear I’m trying to hide....

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I have caressed
in coffin draped hugs
those who defended me,
hung limply as taps
and tears flowed
across generations.
Known the thrill
of fireworks and jubilation
rose, full faced,
in sundrenched
wind starched glory.
Wept in “half staffed” darkened loneliness
as horse drawn carriages
moved through silenced crowds.
I am neither a cause
nor a solution
but a symbol
of our best….and worst.

I am but a flag.
I look to you
to raise me up.


John G. Lawless
©6/14/2021...

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