Symphony

they say you conduct
this great symphony.

each blade bends
to kiss the ground
beneath it
whenever your feet itch.

i'll swallow that.

each sunset falls
from your fingertips
when your hands ache
from the weight of
the exhalations released
by acres of clouds.

i'll swallow that.

when tumors shrink
wounds close
still hearts beat
fevers break
it's your hot breath that
melts mortality's
icy advances.

i'll swallow that.

they say you orchestrate
this quivering concert.

but
the fevers unbroken
tears undried
screams unanswered
the graves dug
and graves defiled--
did you conduct these?

did you watch?
who tied your hands?
who crippled your redemptive feet?

i can utter that you see,
i can utter that you hear,
i can utter that you know,
i can utter that you allow.
but i will not utter
that you cause,
that you willed.

i will not swallow this.

-Jordan Walters