Crossing
john sibley williams
22
Tell me what not to do with heaven-
faced children torn between parents who
are torn apart by a river tearing a long
muddy scar into this long & lengthening
landscape. Then tell me again why we are
the only animal bound by maps, shifting
allegiances. Tell me what not to forgive
of stars; what skin my skin is forbidden
from touching; what heart my heart
can- not possibly hold without breaking.
Don’t tell me the best way to break a body
without damaging the shell. We all know
how that story ends. Ask the bridled
horses. Ask mothers waiting by docks
for warships never to return. Ask any
long, cold winter night in any part of any
country any child has ever fled to find
herself no closer to home. Please tell me
what road that begins in ruin ends some-
where beautiful.