a life to live

the men stand above
jerking their arms 
haplessly, mindlessly,

they pull harder,
giggling at their hands
grasping, choking the
thick strings-

acting to appease the heavens,
paying penance for their end
by ending others.

the women strain below,
clawing at their throats
and their stomachs

gritting their teeth as they
gather around, the united force
others are blind to,
holding their hands up

they lay limp, worn
to their every thread
carrying the burden of life.

the children are
cast aside when blessed
with the oxygen touch.

where do they go now?
their puppeteers turn
away from the living
praying for the unborn

it’s easier to promise
than to execute,
a life to live.