Election-Day Elegy

that brave soldier who was martyred
that young soldier who was his old father's walking-stick
which political party did he belong to?

that mother who was charred to death
that mother who was separated from her child forever
which election symbol was she associated with?

that guard who swallowed three bullets whole
that guard who has now been posted beyond the skies for eternity
which ideological group did he swear allegiance to?

that tiny voice that emerged as a scream
that tiny voice that some heard, some un-heard
which politician did it sing the praises of?

that blood that flowed as poison through the country's veins
that blood that has darkened every face with shame
which brotherhood was it the life of?

perhaps no one's
no one's at all