like a puzzle,
thrown
to the floor, there
are pieces
that flutter and
shatter away
attempting to free their
bonds and free them-
selves

like a vase,
thrown to the
floor,
there is no piece
left unbroken

like a book
off the shelf,
like an egg
to the ground,
like a brain
against the wall

there is only the
remains

in three, two, one
we brace for impact

there is no survival when victory
is measured in collateral damage