For Humanity

Irene Keller

January 28, 2024

For Humanity

hate-blood on children

boots smash photos, sacred scripts

sky glows slaughter-red

In a long silk black dress with a pink bodice, she, iridescent with hues of humanity, stands in the middle of black sand that surrounds her like miles of burnt tar. The distant mountains shine more black than sinister-rooted evil under the shadow of a gray moon.  

She clutches the soft pink that covers her heart, her lungs; takes one step, then another, only to collapse to her knees.  She crawls awhile—hands, knees raw—then carefully stands, sensing a spark in the distance. She puts on dead man’s boots and walks toward  

slivers of gold light

waiting to shine once again

on humanity

Irene Keller, a retired Texas educator, was able to spark interest in poetry with students. Past or present, she must have poetry in her life.  She has always considered herself an amateur poet, especially when compared to her grandmother. Her home is New Braunfels, Texas.