It used to be soft, and quiet. It used to be a gift that I could use to help my community. A song about gardens growing, kids doing well in life, a mother to be. I used to look forward to every lyric, every rhyme. The sweet melodies poured from my mind to fill each cup around me, the kettle always full, always kind.

I HAD A DREAM ABOUT REVENGE

This gift has never given me less. It has never hurt anybody. I have never hurt anybody. I’m a good person. I just want to help those around me. Its the least I could do.

A MILLION BODIES ON THE SLAB

But the services stopped. The streets are no longer cleaned. The assistants that used to crawl my mother’s retirement home have vanished. The social workers that helped my neighbor with her disability payments are no longer at the phones. The loan services that helped my friend get into college are now demanding more each month.

AN AXE TO GRIND AGAINST THEM ALL

I fear all I’ve done is for naught. Tears have returned to my sisters face as she picks up a third job. My neice asks where her mommy has gone. The bakery at the end of the street closed down, citing supply issues. The grocery chain I work at just recently let me go for the same reasons. What has happened? Why has my colorful world faded to red? Where has the soft music been hidden? What siren has sent their song to my head?

YOU KNOW THIS DREAM IS ALL WE HAVE