bread and bombs

from the most violent of skies:

the most heinous

of acts.

they’re dropping bread.

they’re dropping bombs.

sustenance and slaughter,

disproportionately measured

by the same hand.

no loaves, nor fishes

– no feast for the multitude.

no miracles for the masses.

– tokenistic offerings

placating adversaries.

absolutions of guilt.

in the faces of the forsaken:

sunken eyes

and hollowed cheeks.

… pray, let the crows not gather.

I,

as audience,

in a theatre most horrid,

can all but watch …

avert one’s eyes

for the sake of dignity,

of humanity?

or,

continue as witness

less never to forget?

emma lumsden

11.03.2024