burn

by Keith Landrum

tired of the struggle
a fire burns
our hope and
we wear that smell
like designer
cologne

don't tell us
about tomorrow
when certainty kills
like a pack-a-day habit
in pawn shop
parking lots

don't tell us
there's salvation
for broken spirits
we drink
like cheap whiskey

don't tell us
to work harder
that there is a dream
to be fulfilled

don't say
a word
just let us go

let us rest
let us burn
like stars