I walked
Into the past
To tidy it up—
In search of explanations.
It looked and smelled
Like a living grave
Of the misremembered,
Looted and squirming.
I looked for a path
And peace,
For youth and home,
But found them shattered—
Caked with lies
And warm debris,
Lost dogs,
The stuff of dreams,
Of whores and kings—
Scattered and sad.
I saw and heard
The jewels
Of Tutankhamen clinking
In the teeth
Of laughing children.
Impolitic 