optimism is a false flag i've decided to burn

there

i finally said it
not that i've given up
on any just cause
if the song fits the feeling
keep me in the choir
my tongue
has lost a few steps
& there's an extra touch
of bitterness
     we've been unable
     to stop the carnage
and i'm not so sure
when or even if
this will pass

but i'm pretty sure

i've given up
on flags

--- e b bortz