Just What Was Expected

Can I just check myself here —
It’s OK with you if I keep calling
an acquitted killer
a killer, right?  

It’s so hard to keep track
of that kind of thing
in a nation so clumsy
with truth 

that we can learn of someone killing someone
with a shrug one evening
then giggle at a grumpy cat
by noontime the next day

but I should check myself,
I suppose
After all, this is all about
a perfectly legal evil

At least that’s what
I’m given to understand
What I’m given to accept
and lie down with and chew upon

is that someone who stalks chases
fights a boy starts to lose
and then shoots that boy dead
did it all in self defense — whew!

That must have sucked
I feel bad for him
So many people pissed at him
He’ll never again be able

to go out in public
without wearing
a hoodie
or something

I should check myself
I suppose
before I lose lunch
and self control

Grumpy cat says
looky looky here
My face is the banner
of all discontent and dissent

In these furred jowls
find expression for your anger
Create a meme of rage
and send it out across

the wired and wireless
O America
you cat box
you climbing pole

I will find a way to live here
Muttering the whole time
about killing and revenge and justice
About REALLY DOING SOMETHING

again and again
because what else can I do
except lament
if I never check enough of myself to accept

my share of the guilt
not for the act
but for living here in such a way
that the act and all its fallout

became just another
just one more example
(what were their names again?)
of exactly what we expected

Instead I check myself
for color and age
breathe a sigh of relief
wait to die in bed

like an acquitted killer
who’s still a killer
We’re big fat killers
him and me