The Starkness of the Language

Is like the starkness

Of a gun, is like a corpse:

Severe, complete, and barren,

But not simple, not without

Complicated histories.

When a parent begs for help

For a gone child hugged in blood,

Some words are stark and simple,

Yes, as they claw at your chest.

Oh please, no, save my baby.

But those pleas come from the depths,

And nothing’s simple about

The evolution of such

Terrible requests.