Ikemeso Danshi

In high rise spaces

People are watching sad films

Tears begin to flow

 

The films aren’t subtle

Dying dogs, dying parents

Grief propaganda

 

But still the tears come

And the handsome, weeping boy

Prepares his silk square

 

He wipes the man’s eyes

The woman’s beautiful face

The silk square crumples

 

Back at desks by two

Workers sit upright, shrugging

Faintly embarrassed

 

They did what they must

But there’s money to be made

So put masks back on

 

Below on the street

The handsome, weeping boy walks

It’s spring – sharp, cold, green

 

He’s weeping himself

Glassy tears on chiselled cheeks

Vision distorted

 

He can’t see blossom

On the fecund, ancient trees

Or smiles of children

 

He knows all will pass

The world won’t turn forever

Dark will eat the sun

 

Handsome, weeping boy

Sadness facilitator

Who will wipe your tears?