“I’m Nobody’s God” - August 4, 2024

in the cruel heat of every summer now

sacrifices are demanded from the tree

someone’s neck must face the sun’s guillotine

a young virgin branch or the old lady limb

and every year the king that rules the

tree bows to the ear of the moon asking

for mercy  feeling the torture of Abraham

holding a knife above his son knowing

one must offer their green hand

for a brown twig with corn chip leaves

the following morning the fire

in the sky appears angry 

stares with pitiless eyes and says

I’m nobody’s merciful God! Give me

either branch and I’ll spare the rest . . .

. . . at least until next year