Later In Time

LATER IN TIME

One is dead
others die
one is laughing
the rest cry,
staring me
in the eye
looking for tears
maybe a sigh
asking if,
and wondering why
it's their death
instead of mine
arriving sooner,
not later, in time.

In the distance
church bells chime
their sacred songs
of siren's lies,
telling people
everything's fine.

Within these walls
there is no crime,
close your eyes,
pretend you're blind
to the starving
standing outside
pleading
for the spare dime
you gave to the priest,
payment for a sign
of some holy place
you hope for,
...later in time.