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Blackbirds
by Jeanne Marie Spicuzza

I read
that in the land
of my ancestors

2.7 million people
in Rome protested
the war in Iraq.

They chained
themselves
to rails of trains

taking weapons
to U.S. military
stations.

I woke up.

A black crow
sat on my shoulder
and whispered,

    "Those who worship life
    are themselves the first to die."

I read that
in the land
my ancestors

arrived at
to achieve 
a better life

one president
would murder
thousands of innocent

people

to get at oil
and back
at one man.

I woke up.
A black crow
sat on my shoulder
and whispered,

    "Those who worship death
    are themselves the first to kill." 

Do not hunger
lest you be afraid.

Better to perish
for what you believe in
than obliterate others

for what they
would have you
falsify.

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