the great uncounted
oh Maria
winds raged
tides swallowed
facts escaped
six o’ one
or half dozen
the other
throwing numbers ‘round
64
or 4,645
throwing lives
under the radar
what’s the difference?
staggering
4,645
– 64
4,581
– 64
4,581
no account
no honor
no respect
Puerto Rico
our hearts cry
out for you
your people
your dead
undead
uncounted
of great consequence
to somebody
Mothers, Fathers
Sisters, Brothers
Grandmothers, Grandfathers
Aunts, Uncles
Children, Elderly
Human Beings
Citizens
of the land
of the free
©2018 Chris Nielsen