fearful
fretting
in apprehensive silence
waiting for the next shoe/bomb to drop
hearing both sides blaming
each pointing accusatory fingers
claiming the other guy started it
choosing up sides
I don't want to play
I've got my school clothes on
can't I take my marbles
go back home for cookies
isn't it time for cartoons?
they're mean too though —
coyote never gonna win
hungry Sylvester
getting the shit beat outta him again
who are these new guys anyway?
bearded x-man and Texas power ranger
I don't think this show's gonna last
too scary too real two guys
in front of millions
each selling their own brand
of coco-cocoa puffs
want to grab Maria and run
let the jets and sharks rumble alone
this time
but this isn't a movie
or cartoon
or game
these are real live families
brothers and fathers and sons
daughters too
how could we have forgotten?
Life is to be cherished
we are to be loved
can't they look
at their sleeping sons and daughters
feel their foreheads
brush away that stray hair
lean in close enough
to inhale a whiff of their innocence
remember that's what’s important—
to have a place tomorrow for them—
to have a tomorrow for them—
please make them see.
please make them see.
please make them.
please see.
please.
©John Hathaway 9-25-01
