OBSERVE AND ABSOLVE Kyle Howey
Observe, the neighbor trees. Reach up and grasp the balcony edge, Peering, or gasping, I wonder If they see me. Observe, were we better suited For something like this. So many dead, so many at risk, So many worse off families than mine. Observe, cars still passing by, Workers with no choice, unlike me. I wish they could stay home, But some things have to be. Observe, here I am peering or gasping At the edge of this current home. And I wonder whether I’m the one who’s doing fine. Absolve, this shame because I cannot do more, While there is always a World more to be done. Absolve, I don’t know when Or whether being quiet helps. To be sad, loud, or upset Is more a confession. Anthology 7
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