A child screamed
for his mother
to come rescue him
from the torments
of a caterpillar.

A lawyer ached
at the loss
of his beloved,
his beautiful
Tiger lillies.

A father struggled
to convince
his son against
stealing the wrong
girl's heart.

A businessman sold
out of the life
he built
and slaved over
for a rush.

A husband looked
at his wife
and smiled
at her cheeks
and the bruises
he put on them.

A drug addict attacked
and begged
his parents
for something
to eat.

The other day
I saw an old man
no longer crying
over bugs
or caring much
for flowers.

The other day
someone traded
their love
and their blood
for a needle
and a spoon.

The other day
I buried
my father
and cursed
his name.
My name.

❦