Ubuntu

translation:

i am because we are.

we are

pack mules, lambs, dreamers;

night-gathered around warming fires,

patienting out the marauders to settle.

sharing what’s left of precious sacrifice,

we pray for the ripple eddying every huddle around every campfire,

for this weary earth and munitions-shrouded sky

for those past caring.

for the gluttons themselves, even, celebrating in the wastrel village.

for every severed head on every bloody pike.

each morning we slough sleep and set to work,

weaponless,

our uniforms, industry;

our hands and lips oozing honey,

because, of course, the hive.