I Stand Here
Published in Chronogram, 2025

I stand here,
watching the faithful
wash the feet of fools,
sharing their lies better than bread.
I stand here,
rusting on this rock,
sinking in this harbor,
a colossus of failed destiny.
Perhaps– 
you’ve been inside me.
Parted the copper, 
slowly worked your way up my robe.
Searching for my promise,
and a little taste of America.
Perhaps–
You fancy me, 
as some quaint antebellum girl, 
with a childish dream.
Perhaps– 
you’ve climbed into my mind.
Starry eyed me.
Red capped me.
Tied me up and wrapped me–
in flags and fetid pride. 
I stand here
in grey waters,
my torch, 
my poor,
my homeless,
out with the tide.
I stand here,
Ashamed.