I am reminded – Michael Ogbuagu

of  grated skin, 

the shavings of a body

Weakened 

Speckled in dust…

The brimming of an earth 

Charged and electrified, 

By the deaths of children 

and the cries of mothers

 

I am reminded 

that I must return to this

Be torn down 

Burnt up

Thrown aside 

Built back

Shattered

Ruined 

and Rebuilt

 

What is this cold 

But the chill of spirits sent to die 

Mocked and unprotected—

Bones grated into sand 

Sparked and flitted into the wind 

  You must consume this 
  It is what you wanted 
  It is what you wanted 
  Do . Not. Run.