Source |
Listen.
Really listen.
The blood won’t wash off my hands
or out of my clothes.
Will Not Wash Out! Look!
Listen.
I didn’t know before I killed,
and really, killing was easy,
but blood won’t stop flowing.
Listen, my husband, do not kill—
not again.
You killed the king at my urging.
I should have known better.
But how many others must die?
Did you target my friend, Lady McDuff? AND HER CHILDREN?
Killing is too easy.
Do you aim for Malcolm? Will you kill all those who oppose you?
It doesn’t matter if you win, I tell you.
You’ll be standing here like me,
unable to wash the blood off your hands,
unable to wash the blood off your clothes,
from your land, and from your soul.
The blood will drive you mad!
Listen to me now.Really listen.
For my prompt "Character(s) in Action" at What's Going On? (With thoughts of contemporary wars and those who promote and prolong them.)
My blog poems are rough drafts.
Please respect my copyright.
© 2024 Susan L. Chast