My eyes must have broken
When I saw that muzzle flash.
When the rifle butts fell
Like a heavy steel lash,
On my torn head and shoulders.
Since my eyes bled
In that crimson pain,
I can still see the world
But now it doesn’t look the same.
It’s a watercolor blur beyond my tears.
My eyes are damaged,
So, it’s not clear to me
How dropping bombs on kids
Makes us safe or free.
Dead schoolgirls are obstructing my vision.
My watery eyes can barely perceive
A mother’s kiss more felt than seen
Sending her child off to school
She never dreamed
Her baby would come home in pieces.
Memories,
Like that muzzle flash
Are made in an instant,
But they last and they last.
I can’t forget what violence has done to me.
Children, oh sweet children,
There’s blood in my eyes
And I just can’t see.
j.w. McKinleyville 3/3/26