Fame

Stoke it
prod it til the flames rise and fall like heartbeats
keep it breathing
seething and spitting fury
Poke it and watch it rise higher
power and dominion
watch them burn

they look
rubbing hands together
licking lips
like hungry wolves
dark flesh will be devoured
tears flow in fear
they are being stoked

Arms bowed
to receive the sadness
of women crying over babies
men crying over woman they couldn't love
children shaking in fear
they are hungry for a little justice
but she will remain blind

they stand straighter
because they are learning
what broken backs paid for
they will rise and reap
they will reap
all will cry

this is the fame that's won
when lives aren't left to live
when stars fall as angels
and become men of renown