Over at Ethical ELA, Maureen has challenged us to tell a succinct truth in the style of Lucille Clifton for today’s #verselove prompt. This seems scary–to tell a truth that maybe reveals an ugly underside rather than finding the beauty in something ordinary. But I had a truth to tell–so here it is.

Taking Aim

i wish

the incessant

flow of words

that spew

like an

upturned fire hydrant

could solve

world hunger

and

establish planetary peace.

instead

they aim

their verbal arrows

indiscriminately

day after day

hour after hour

at friends

classmates

fraying my nerves

piercing my heart.

@kd0602