Where do we put the crosses?
they won’t be on the side of the road
in the days of reconstruction
after our country exploded
how do we mourn the dead
when we’re all completely shattered
who will dig the graves?
does it really matter?

where do we put the crosses?
they won’t be at Arlington
it was not a war of battles
of what was lost and what was won
how do we mourn the dead
when there’s no church to cry in?
who will dig the graves
while the grave diggers are dying?

Where do we put the crosses
they won’t be on TV
when the networks all are dark
and there’s only you and me
how do we mourn the dead
when they outnumber us?
who will be pall bearers
among those who are left?

where do we put the crosses
for our muslim and hindu friends?
when we never learned their customs
how do we show respect?
how do we mourn the dead
do we all sit shiva together?
ever hopeful, ever watchful
as we wonder when it begins again?

Posted Friday, August 28th 2020