Just An American

Do you know? Is it obvious?
I have so little left to say

I really should stop. But I can’t,
not while there are still armed men out there

who talk, talk, talk without speaking.
Not while there are still armed women out there

who talk, talk, talk
without speaking.

So — I will muster up a barrage
of things to say

and drown them out and they will kill me
or silence me in some other way.

I will find myself there, I know;
a prodigal ancient man

looking to leave enough behind
to be a goad. A sunrise prodding.

I am just an American with
enough warts and damage

to die and be unappetizing
as they swallow me down.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
onward,
T