Yvette Green

PULITZER PRIZE

Tired hungry hurting alone
Baby-child of parents who loved you
Somebody loved you
Why else would you try so hard to live?

Death stands behind you
Waiting patiently and silently
How long has it followed your every weakening step?

Are you trying to lift your weary head
To the one hope you have?
Did your eyes ever meet the eye in the camera
Another human recording your ordeal
That will tell the whole world how you suffered

Baby-child, you will never know how popular you will be
The untold millions of dollars your death experience
Will fetch to some
Notoriety to others
When celebrations and after parties flow with food and drink
Will they look at their pates, lobster claws and spring rolls
And think how desperately grateful you would have been
For just a scrap

Wherever your head lies, baby-child
Know that a little piece of me goes with you.

Yvette Green is a poet, writer, singer, actress, and general Rennaisance woman. She lives at Inglis House and is a frequent contributor to Wordgathering.