I remember
That old man fell
Clutching his chest
Like in movies
On a tiled floor
Where he waited
For the help which came
Far too late

Near slot machines
Louder than screams
Drowning out words
As they shouted
Watching him squirm
Feeling helpless
While we walked right past
Staring down

With police all around
Blocking pathways
Shoving us soon
Even further
Preventing one’s glance
From connecting
Under lights so bright
They had burned

Like blown-glass suns
Bearing witness
Above large crowds
Never caring
When another soul there
Just expired
Amid chaos enjoyed
Out of greed

Where another scene lost
Behind madness
Remained my fear
Grown incarnate
During leisure now killed
Watching tragedy
Mature right before
Pleasant lies

By accepting such fate
More symbolic
Since this date was ruined
Seeing sadness
Emerge through air
Lacking warning
Much how our lives
Would unfold.

• J. Pigno