Guilt (imposter)

I paved the road the tank roll upon,
My name is one of many, stamped bloodily
into your sky.
I politely veto your mercy,
authorizing your starvation,
politely burning your family,
without guilt.

Your ward burns across the sea
while I am sleeping in my bed of complicity.
I am safe, and small,
I kiss the wall.

I march and chant and cheer and cry,
I riot and call and line the streets,
signing letters of sternly written words
and speak with soul and desperation
waiting as if I were your friend,
facing my outrage until it feels real.

My empire prepares another strike
with my labor.
I could’ve stopped it,
a victim by circumstance,
I’m not a part of your tragedy,
I am it all.