poetry

hell is murky

a protest poem

hail to the chief. dullstyle, 2020.

if i could have killed you softly
less by lash than by the beat
there would still be hell to pay
for growl and hose and booted feet.

if i could have warned you lightly
spelled the signs in native script
there would still be loss abounded
lies of blankness, crib to crypt.

if i could have jewed it better
starry ink scabbed less is more
there would still flow ill blood from me
dripping on the flags of war.

if i could have killed you softly
brother meaning all men’s kin
there would still be hell to pay
for every spot of unwashed sin.

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