Current State

My heart beats faster than I thought it could,
I pick the skin off of my fingertips
and as my eyes flit back and forth, my lips
bitten in stress, I wish I understood
how folks can be so hateful.—I should
remark and type the facts I know in words,
but will they hear me now? Perhaps the herd
mentality of hate might drop their Hoods?

My heart, it drops from weights of pain; I see
ahead and only pray we will all vote.
I try to be kind and explain, “We’re scared—
he will destroy this place where all should be
allowed to live in harmony.” Our throats
are tight, our lives on trial, our teeth are bared.