In Dependence, we are

Distracted, disconnected, dying by

Elected (and unelected) hands in

Prayer is precedent in an unprecedented

Era of,

Nation of children hiding under

Desks, under fire, under the least protection

Even though they are closest to the womb.

Nation of women whose bodies are

Controlled by men [but haven’t they always been?]

Era of shootings at 4th of July parades, of an

Immigrant man on the subway walking the center aisle with no shoes, asking

Do we have any spare change? saying “I love

America” with practiced sincerity, waving the stars and stripes of a dollar store flag. Change in all of our pockets, but no one says,

“Yes.”