Requiem
A teddy bear, an R.I.P.
Spray-painted on a wall,
An empty bottle mark the place
That saw a young man fall.
His name reads like leftover type
Or random Scrabble tiles
Appearing now, if not before,
In transcripts and case files.
Perhaps a hard look or a word
Translated into beef:
The seed unknown, the harvest come
To customary grief.
What counsel could be offered here
That wouldn’t be declined
As some attempt to, once again,
Impose a whiter mind?
From habit, hope or vague good will
Some write checks and some vote.
Awaiting the desired effects
Leaves ample time to note
A teddy bear, an R.I.P.
Spray-painted on a wall,
An empty bottle mark the place
That saw a young man fall.