Lament.

I remember scars on soft flesh
a sunset of fire before the darkest night
I remember bones shattered in the dark
I remember the sick sweet smell
a soul alone - halved in size and dignity
I see them still
a heart broken
a father broken
still too soon
I remember nations felled
cities buried deep by concrete skies
I remember dreams taken
caught in tyranny

and I remember you
strong and loud; raining psalms to touch our lips
lament and praise and prayers of peace
shalom
but, where are you now?
your silence stretches on
too many die a thousand deaths
in your name
in the hollow absence of your name
where are you now?
while the foolish reign and call it wisdom
while the wise are given up to silent tears
where are you now?
while your children sell themselves
to the highest bidder
half their worth
where are you now?
where
are
you?