full moon in Sagittarius // penumbral lunar eclipse

Call it an insurrection

She asks me if I want to help get resources to the frontlines 

the helicopters whirring, too close, overhead.

I still haven’t felt an earthquake

I’m told there have been several since I moved

but now I feel the ground shake

every few minutes. I fight the urge to look outside.

I ask myself, have we always been at war? 

there had always been bombings, shootings, lynchings

there has always been surveillance and retaliation 

there have always been prisoners.

undeclared war, apple pie, and baseball.

Yes. 

Call it an insurrection

a fresh layer of blood has settled 

in among the palm trees

and the marshlands 

and the evergreens

and the skyscrapers

and the bluegrass

and desert sands.

Call them invaders

a centuries-long project 

and a consistent mission.

I have closed the blinds and the curtains 

because it feels like that might help.

She asks me, have we always been at war? 

to be colonized 

at home 

in the center of an empire 

is a constant battle 

with yourself.

but we share a language, so I reply

Yes. 

There’s a curfew now 

had there always been a curfew? 

I guess

there’s always been a uniform 

and there will always be training 

it’s hard to tell who wants it to burn more 

I feel like I live in a war zone. 

You do, I reply

but don’t worry

you always have.