amputation
with one sharp, swift,
axe dropping sentence,
legalize on
fine stationary,
followed by the firm handshake
avoided eye contact,
the last glance out of windows
onto lines of parked cars.
Severance,
exchange for silence,
cleansing their guilt,
denying fault.
For aren’t we the faulty -
exhausted after
blindly marching
for the lost cause.
Once proud warriors,
we slink away -
defeated
hoping there will be
funds
for the severed. LS