Pyroclysm

David killed a bear and a lion before the confrontation with Goliath
Elisha had to burn his family’s farm before he could walk with Elijah.
Joseph was a slave and lied upon before he was a ruler of a nation.

I’m just a kid on an American street, reading his bible as fire surrounds me
Patiently waiting for someone.

At last, she approaches me, questioning my plan.
Examinations of the person across from me, a steadiness in my hands.
She's wrapped in a torn white dress, red blood splatters it, blue mascara draws streaks on her cheeks.
She puts her hand out, asking for something, I stop her before she speaks.
The fire around us intensifies, sparks and ash spiral the scene.
I say to her, “You can’t escape this cycle, can you?”

She cocks her head, the unforgiving maniacal laughter follows.
I stroll down the street, the fire moves out of my way.
Only to notice her still silence.
I turn to offer only a walk and some questions.

The blaze makes a path to guide the way.
In her confusion she stands swaying side to side.
Tears forming in her eyes.
I understand, I can empathize but to sympathize would be a compromise to the integrity of the situation.

Contemplation riddles her face, her feet move anxiously in place.
She’s wanting to move but can’t.
Her knees want to find the answers and see the events that will happen, but fear of reality is making her stop, to ponder if there was another way to end this day.

Her antics become frantic, fighting for the survival and justification of her ways.
A random punch, kicking and screaming, spitting in my direction.
The fire does its purpose of deflection.
She falls to her knees, looking into the puddle in a pot hole, her muddy reflection is what she sees.

She looks up at me, I’m now the man I’m supposed to be.
Quickly she blinks her eyes trying to believe its still me.
Gently I stand her up, I speak,
“Do you know what you saw, the corruption you caused. The homes you removed, the people you’ve displaced, the bombs you’ve dropped. The profit from the death you’ve dealt has a cost.”
She shrugs me off, “I never claimed to be an angel, say what you want, the patriarchy will also be the death of you.” Then turns her back to me.

Softly I speak again, “Then what about me?”
She turns around to see me now, a woman of eloquent beauty.
“What about the ones that took an oath to protect, the truth shown on the officers vest. You’re vexed and confused. Are the people who you claim as your children predestined to suffer your abuse? Used as tools, they work hard for the money to make due. Yet you find new ways to take it back.”
She caresses a finger on my face, “Aw honey, I said I had opportunities for you, nothing in this life is guaranteed, don’t you see we are the same you and me.”
She looks to the sky trying to avoid my eyes

“Then what do you say to me?” I croaked to her. She locks eyes with me again, her arrogance has left. She stares at the soul of an old and battered black man.

She takes a step back, almost tripping and forgetting how to stand.
I take a step forward, pushing for more, she takes another step back.
“What will you say to me, I was pulled away from my lands. Brought over and beaten. Forced to work and was beaten. My children were pulled from my arms and beaten, I never saw them again. You removed their education and they were beaten. When I protested, I was hung by the neck, but before that I was beaten. My children bore many strange fruits on your foreign trees. So, I ask you again, what will you say to me?

I’ve known you well over 200 years, and now it's me and you still.
I fight, you beat. I cry, you beat. I stand up, you beat. While I remained silent, you beat. The blood of my children paved the gold in your streets.
So, Miss America once again I ask.
What will you say to me?”

She is still, frozen in the moment. The unbearable air making her ill.
I place my hand on her forehead, she shakes with chills.
I take a breath,
“Many nights I’ve prayed for you but now I leave this gift with you instead.”

I push her head, her body falls into the fire.
I sit and admire all the beautiful colors.