When Conjunctions Are Fed Up Too

After I found it impossible to stand.

The world’s tailspin threatened expulsion by centrifugal force.

Before I could find sound

words

breach sensation thresholds

ineptitude taunts.

Asks if I’m new here.

Makes mockery of my pause

the gaps stuck in my throat.

After obstruction

but before comprehension

of evil incarnate

vile enough to saunter about and interrogate

all who by happenstance are in its path.

After defense mechanisms kick in.

After trickles become torrent.

After injustice served with espionage on a geo-political platter.

After I told you so’s too numerous to count

and tears to fill an ocean of us who kept getting up

to resist on broken legs

and fractured souls before insurmountable odds.

After assault rifle bullets flew

around spirit-crushed screams of our children.

Those who had nothing left

defied with spit and piss

before grief showcased delirium they’d snatch as a trophy.

Before hatred loosens secure grip

in that knowledge its loss is imminent.

After we are beaten for mere breathing

a stain on remnant conscience.

Before day shines light on gazelles who leap past acacia trees

and the wild iris tempt you away to illuminated joys.

After el-maiyeh lel mayieh (from the water to the water.)

Before God you cannot scale this strength.

(This poem was previously published by the author on Simily.com)

I offer immense gratitude to you for reading this poem. Words have not been easy to come by. Thankful that hope cannot be eradicated.

To freedom, justice, equality, peace, and love.