interlude

1

a terrible gulf

consumes
the future of so many
in moments avalanching
down a fearsome slope.

paralysis,
disbelief,
tears.


2

she held up a sign
in the crowd
so far away,
like crowds
that gathered everywhere
this week.

her sign read:
"we are together"

and we are
the whole world.


3

they called
into that dark void,

that sweeps away souls with fire
and forms a fist of hate.

they called for justice yet,
had there always been justice,
there would be no void,
there would be no fist,
there would be no hate.


toxins