XI

They stole my work, so I would make them poor
With fire and iron, by god I made them care
But on my street, I found a body there
I had jumped from the highest floor.

X

I ran as one who never was so free
The Muslim men taught me to love my life
Though removing my child, my hands and at last, my wife
My legs they did not take away from me

IX

It's much more peaceful now with the new law
No more discrimination based on race
Or gender, till the last and sullen trace
Of living flesh is shoved into my maw.

VIII

Waking from my dream I always see
The drugs I took last night to make me sleep
I feel okay, except for that I keep
Waking from a dream that should not be.

VII

We used to joke about how great it would be
To laugh in hell with everyone who's fun
But I can't remember anyone
Even if I could, I still can't see.

VI

After last night's hookup I don't feel the same
I saw my friends were shopping in the mall
But they don't respond, no matter how much I call
I just hope someone can help me recall my name

V

We are all okay, every one of us is fine
We love ourselves, happiness is a state of mind
Still, it is a challenge for us to find
Fire will not burn nor will light shine.

IV

When micro-agressions cease and we all join hands
We are all true to ourselves and safe and free
This we believe is the only reality
-- none of those we murdered understands.

III

Walking, shading my eyes lest they be seared
By noon's brightness, the effulgent and reigning orb
Finding this is my way to more fully absorb
A sky in which the sun has never appeared.

II

I feel as though I cannot get work done
I stare at Facebook and check my email all day
I want to move the mouse, to shout, to say --
But it's so cold and no one seems to come

Whatever You Do, Don't Look Behind You, Just Leave Now

I came at last to this beautiful desolate land
For long I desired to escape the suburban sprawl
But entering, I hear a voice sound down the hall
& On the table, a note in my own hand.

I

Down the street from me, there live a motley
Crew of characters you've never seen
Artists, singers, writers, and all in between
I just wish they would finally bury my body.