after hurricane maria
Lisa Panepinto
i stood in line at home depot
what i want to know
is what’s happening in puerto rico
the latino cashier said to his coworker
do they have lights
he received no answer
as he rang up my supplies
a us territory without us funding or provisions
left to shake without aid
thousands still living in tents
do they have lights the cashier repeated
gazing pleadingly down the aisles
as if his strong wish could restore damaged homes
plant trees and give lights to all in need
Lisa Panepinto
i stood in line at home depot
what i want to know
is what’s happening in puerto rico
the latino cashier said to his coworker
do they have lights
he received no answer
as he rang up my supplies
a us territory without us funding or provisions
left to shake without aid
thousands still living in tents
do they have lights the cashier repeated
gazing pleadingly down the aisles
as if his strong wish could restore damaged homes
plant trees and give lights to all in need
State of the Union, by Ron Wolff