over 600, 000 cholera
cases in haiti since
october 2010 official death
toll up to 7, 500
grief rising
behind the numbers
people
their words
their hearts
their faith
victims hum pop songs
victims fall in love forever
or with the wrong
people victims rebound
or never forgive
victims buy soap
victims watch lousy soap operas
dubbed in floral french perfume
victims learn to walk
again learn to steal learn stillness
victims find cake
and candle out of no way
mark a grandparent's birthday
fret over wavering knife
in withered hand
victims
have
names
not
victim
before another american argues
about which strain
caused the stain
count the pairs of eyes
squinting against the sun
count the hairs on each head
the prayers before dreams
the raindrops on tents
the wide-awake curses
the steps to the hospital
the living count
their thirst
© 2012 by Lenelle Moïse
