The State

Bodies tumble like new blown leaves
in an autumn wind storm
they fall, thick as thieves
who arrive/leave wet, newly born
handkerchiefs torn, tied to F.a.c.e.s.
hands clutching a companions sleeve
eyes frozen in final G.r.a.c.e.s.

A sudden and final realization
are the last tears (they) cry and,
the terminal question asked
goes to Jesus on high
who holds the criminals for ransom
while the rest of (us) quietly die

Then like shark skin you are told
there is only one way to feel
your conscience as an appetizer
your body as the meal