500 Dead

500 Dead (March 20, 2003 - January 17, 2004)

at this point
I just want to know
the real reason
like some sick desire
to know what was
in the mind
of a vicious
serial killer
what could he
have been thinking
as he stole lives
from communities
from families
what did he feel
as he heard
their dying words
once the number
reaches something
astounding
I no longer care
about the lies
he told
who cares
if he said he was
the plumber
and had blood-stained
wrenches
who cares that he was
under suspicion
and what lies he told
to the authorities
after so many deaths
does it become
like some habitual job
stamping out metal
parts in some auto
plant
the screams
part of the background
noise
the din of engines
what was the real reason
and why did it take so long
for him to be stopped
who even cares at this point
if he told the victims
he was the president
I just want to know
the real reason why
they’re dead


Randolph Nesbitt

Posted over on Poets Against The War