Playing Dead

By Justine C. Tajonera

There's no one at fault,
really,
no one to blame
for the scabs on their legs,
the way they have to sleep
the side of the street.

There's no particular reason
why their house burned down
or why they need to carry
a sack of old plastic bottles
to buy their sister
dinner.

There's no one in particular
who is responsible for
their parents' resignation
or the evil way that
they play along with
what's given them,
pretending is better than
believing.

But I close my eyes
and imagine, too,
that if it were all up to
me,
I wouldn't let them
stay where they are:
not knowing any better,
not getting a chance.

If it were all my
responsibility,
I wouldn't lay down
my arms
and play
dead.

(Dec. 23, 2009)
Image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/billselak/2181910407/