seeing it on the news felt so abstract
like a Rothko on display
as big-name pundits dissected
analyzed, philosophized
trying to see what it all means
.
the news talks and talks
think pieces breed like rabbits
pinpointing the perceived problems
the Achilles heel that brought it all down
everyone suddenly a Cassandra
foretelling doom across the nation
because one jigsaw piece changed color
.
we’re the canary in the coal mine
laid out on our back for autopsy
our wings splayed and limp
yellow feathers smudged by coal-dusted hands
as they bicker over how to use us
to save themselves
.
but I can only think of the next four years
brother against brother once more
as those of us trying to move forward
get dragged back by those too afraid
and all that we stained the ground rust-red for
will be clawed out of our still bloody hands
About the Creator
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Whispering Woods Challenge Winners
Congratulations to Morgan Christy Rickards for their winning Whispering Woods story, Guardian at the Gate. Morgan has been a Vocal creator since February 2021, and this is their first time placing in Challenge — well done, starting with a win! Guardian at the Gate draws evocatively from Welsh tales of the Cantre'r Gwaelod, a lost sunken kingdom between the forest and the sea. Heledd’s dangerous adventure pulls her towards the water but her spirit is anchored in the woods: Morgan’s writing is atmospheric and exciting.
By Vocal Curation Team5 days ago in Resources
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