at last understanding

this is where meaning yields to hard desire

for more of what nobody truly needs

the shady outcomes of unwanted deeds

drugs bought from the old street-corner supplier

swift-acting poison for this case is dire

and no good remedy ever succeeds

instead we turn to all the aging creeds

and preach old words to the devoted choir

in places where they sing all has turned mute

on days like this we face a deeper rage

than any seen by you there is no balm

that soothes us now the pain is absolute

and letters burn in anger on the page

it is too late to ask the folk for calm