Violation

so like leaves in autumn
except it’ll be bodies in spring
falling and fluttering, defeated
before their dreams
destinies
and …
unknown fortunes are realized

fifteen million and marching strong
we all share this one common characteristic
of violation

we said, “no, we won’t stand up for this!”
but it echoed back
they said, “don’t let them take your rights for granted.”
but it echoed back

our human rights stolen
our democracy apprehended
our futures chosen by so-called leaders
unwilling to follow the lead of so many

fifteen million and marching strong
doesn’t civil protest matter more than as an expression of freedom?

there are no sides here
no angles or corners to hide in
we are from the same branch
when it’s war we all bleed the blood of defeat.

no, there are no shrieks from under the rubble
Bagdad, five a.m., after the first blow
what need for embrace now
when their whole world crumbles each step further

fifteen million and marching strong
collectively bargaining for peace.