POEM: All Rise

All Rise

Would everyone who served in the military please stand up? [polite applause]

Would everyone who’s had their house destroyed by the military please stand up? [silence]

Would everyone who’s lost a child to an attack by the military please stand up? [weeping]

Would everyone who couldn’t finish school because so much of our budget goes to the military please stand up? [single cough]

Would everyone who has risked their physical and emotional safety to impede the actions of the military please stand up? [murmur]

Would everyone who wishes for a world without the existence of the military please stand up?

/ / /

25 April 2024
Charlottesville VA
NaPoWriMo Day 25