Intubation

The battle is here and we ready our sword

Slide aside and see the cords 

Dry inside and sloughing skin 

Does not glide as it goes in 

Flash of red and gag on contents 

Drowned among the witnesses in glass

No one can make your cells breathe 

None can bring the chest to heave 

The impulse dwindles before my eyes

I see in yours in endless skies 

Going down in hoarse, grunting, wet 

Ask your Lord for one last breath 

Carry your children in your hearts and minds 

Or of those that were naught, now not enough time

Bronx, NY, June 2020. The unrest remains all around.