WE ALL SING DOWN HERE (Poem)

WE ALL SING DOWN HERE

By Farah Lawal Harris

(For National Poetry Writing Month, Day 1)

We all sing down here—

sing the praises of the rich

and memories of being poor.

This drame lyrique has no beat,

no melody,

just a screech here and there,

filling the air with fear

of ICE melting down and making neighbors disappear,

of being laid off while being told to get up,

of being stuck in a country that regresses daily.

Ah, here comes the reprise…

Will the proletariat rise,

or continue to fit the mold

of suburban cookie cutter homes,

McMansions with no fries

and a Diet Coke on the side?

Lights rise.

Intermission.

What takes place in Act 2 is our decision.

Sing wisely.