Did it come on the night air
like cordite&ashes
did it move us
to our kneesdid we say no
you first please did
we shove the old & then
the lonely the soft
& uncomplaining
to the front
all the slow bodied
anyone cringing
did we listen to
what was happening
did we deny
did we secret
jewelry while we
waited did we
learn to do it
frightened when it was
clear we already knew how
did we startle at the taste of blood
did we think blood-
lust was simply a word
did we feel our lips
curl back over our teeth
did we find drops of it
on our faceplates
on our cuff links
after work
scrubbing did it stain
did we weep did we eat
more than ever did it
sharpen our hunger
the keening the animal
wheedling did we remember
how some pleaded did
we bend down & pet them
say this is for the best did they
shake did some take our hands
sayyou were my young
you were my children you
were meant to hold me
close did we explain
there was not enough
did we find once it
started justifications grew
with greed like vines
up the side of a tree
taking everything