the SNAP of harsh rebellion

echoed, tought and loud—

the SPLAT of hot ingratitude

that specked the watching crowd.

–

CRACKS of stiffened justice

for all the brazen lies

the CUFFS of wounded parent-griefs

for running from the wise.

–

The cutting STAB of lust-ish shame

now bleeding, oozing soars

of living life for sensing self

the SLASH of greed for wars.

–

The dulling ACHE at every pause,

the deepening, lasting death

of selfish, idolizing shame

now ANGUISH gulps of breath.

–

With every stab of jaunty hate,

the soldier mocking, grim

tears the lamb who wears it all

for all of us—and him.