In cities,
We wish upon planes,
In the absence of
Shooting stars,
Exiled in the age of child labor and fabric mills and a million lights that promised
American Dream! over the screams of those
Who fled starvation to find starvation.
Hopes whispered toward stars,
Caught on the bellies of industry
Moving men, women, children
Spoken in order of importance.
Moving machinery and armory,
To build cities or burn cities or disintegrate skin in
Fire so hot it can’t be seen.
Prayers cling to wings of steel guardian angels or
Angels of death.
Demons, too, were angels once.
Please send daddy home.
Please make mommy smile.
Please make me stronger.
Please please please please.
Hands pressed flat,
Nose pressed to fingertips,
A child begs.
Beasts of the sky carry tear-stained pleas
Across the sea
To bases or airports or ships,
To be scoured in security,
Lost under the scrutiny
That protects
LIFE & LIBERTY &
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
We wish upon planes,
In the absence of
Shooting stars,
Exiled in the age of child labor and fabric mills and a million lights that promised
American Dream! over the screams of those
Who fled starvation to find starvation.
Hopes whispered toward stars,
Caught on the bellies of industry
Moving men, women, children
Spoken in order of importance.
Moving machinery and armory,
To build cities or burn cities or disintegrate skin in
Fire so hot it can’t be seen.
Prayers cling to wings of steel guardian angels or
Angels of death.
Demons, too, were angels once.
Please send daddy home.
Please make mommy smile.
Please make me stronger.
Please please please please.
Hands pressed flat,
Nose pressed to fingertips,
A child begs.
Beasts of the sky carry tear-stained pleas
Across the sea
To bases or airports or ships,
To be scoured in security,
Lost under the scrutiny
That protects
LIFE & LIBERTY &
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
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