Orphan-Maker
Ask the Orphan-Maker for mercy when bullet, from source to skull, claims its tax -
Ask the Orphan-Maker for mercy
when bullet, from source to skull,
claims its tax -
good boy Johnny,
or Clarkie,
or whatever-his-name-is.
You know them, their stats: Male, young,
ripe; painting Helen red and red.
Ask the Orphan-Maker for mercy
when, after that judgment night,
mothers' breasts,
like bells, wail burial songs.
You know the hymns well:
good boy Johnny -
he could’ve been; taken
early for unoriginal sin.
Ask the Orphan-Maker for mercy
when his disciples,
the gun-worshippers,
practice their religion -
their right;
these oath keepers:
just one a day, every day,
who-cares-who.