Open Skies

A political poem

Photo by Sebastian Molina fotografía on Unsplash

we see you looking at us
looking at you,
toy breaker

we have all been to your
house that (one) time
that one birthday party
we went as a team —
every kid a guard
for the other

no one opened their
presents at the party
anymore

except you

which expectant, hopeful
child gave the best gift

you peeled the tape politely
at first, then greedily
clawed at the gifts
hiding a paper cut

you tossed each toy
into the pile
and sugared-up
refused to play
with any of them

until your guests all
left and your siblings
wanted a tiny glimpse
at your treasure

and what they got
was a display of broken
toys for no one
no one
no one