excuses

excuses

“what in the hell is everybody being reasonable about?” June Jordan

there is no excuse
for yanking children’s hands from their parents
trying to cross the border.
the crime is ours.

there is no excuse
for the 12 year old in the target parking lot
raising money for his nonexistent graduation.
the crime is ours.

there is no excuse
for her jail time/the bail set
over her kids heads/so high/the
crime is ours.

when we pray
we should not pray
for anyone’s soul
on the street/behind bars/collecting change/
we should pray
for all of us with soft lit kitchens
and sleepy pajama clad children/and
no courage
tonight.