Crackling Fires from Funeral Pyres

Digging holes with metal poles

Earth hanging by a string

ember coals and smokey souls

our hearts refuse to sing


Nostril flares and double dares

blood coursing through our veins

no one cares or fires flares

to save us from the flames


Rubber necks on splintered decks

missiles pierce the sky

the crackling fires from funeral pyres

sparkle in our eyes


Mascara streaks on dampened cheeks

as quiet fills the air

we crawl across a floor that creaks

to waken our despair


Stars explode and fade to black

the darkened sky above

stretches far from east to west

obscuring peace and love

Dear Vlad,

What the fuck?

Seriously, WHAT THE FUCK??

People just want to live their lives without fear of oppression and suppression.

Parents just want to raise their children in a safe, secure, and peaceful world.

Children just want to learn, laugh, and play without fear of being sniped or blown up.

No one cares about your nostalgically misguided view of Russian imperialism.

Fuck you and everything you stand for.

Sincerely,

The world

Because this is all there is

When you reach the end

I hope you had more good times than bad, 

laughed more than you cried, and

loved more than you hated


I hope regrets were few,

achievements many,

and that your wealth

could be measured in smiles


I hope you enjoyed your stay,

were buoyed by happiness,

oxygenated by love,

and were at peace when you left


Because this is all there is