HAIR, pulled back tight
MIND, waking up to noonday light
overweight, waddling through
college kids blind to
their areas of blight
MAKE-UP, caked on, hiding her sight
DRUGS, burning veins; losing the fight
bags below her eyes
pockets, full; breakfast, medium fries
how many men has she seen
through the night
FACE lost, chest tight
am I too far gone to be contrite
BODY violated, no longer consecrated
what can I ask for
God, damn it tonight
–
a plea to men and women
and a lament to God for justice
written after Chicago Urban Program 2011
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