penetrated by
sounds of steel spiraling
through the flesh
of old wounds never healed
under the cover of full metal jackets
years of differences fester still
shades of hatred begetting
bloody canvasses of life in glasgow
velocity and energy and density
no longer marking the weather
now marking the storm of
death on wing
travel path and target
spelling bloody ballistics
random projectiles
of hate in flight
razors of yesteryear
slicing through layers of dysphoria
knives brandished with deadly intent
by children wandering the streets
of chaos and turmoil
their spirits no longer theirs
buried already in the graveyard
of discontent
bloodstains color the hard cracked
surface of their hearts
men in black leather jackets
grim reapers of silent violence
women and children fearful
of creaking floors and opening doors
longing yearning for
the warm sunlight
of what should be
seeking solace and safety
behind locks and chains
husbands keeping watch
with metal filled pillows
giving way to sleepless nights
of signs and sounds
waiting for dawn
waiting for day
for another way
just one more day
praying for the other way
trying to make another way
the way of peace and love
the way of love and peace
with the warmth of
brother loving brother
melting the heartless
frigid winter of
despair and desperation
painting in vibrant
life-sustaining sunshine
the canvasses of
life in glasgow
where children frolick
on the playgrounds
of a better life
and mothers sleep
through the night
with their babes
cradled in the soft
arms of peace
and husbands and fathers
awake from sweet dreams
of serenity and stillness
the only sounds those
of golden moonbeams
falling gently over
life in glasgow
