*****

Recorded Reading (1:11): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/xfsqtc10wguar4418sv38/The-Volunteers.mp3?rlkey=gcvux0t639p5gkj02ksrr7qbl&st=bltujgzh&dl=0

*****

The Volunteers

People on the front lines
They are scarred and they are torn
Great chunks of flesh ripped from huge hearts
Raggedy and worn

From rubbing up against this whole world
Full of hurt and pain
Trying to compassion for
A little territory gain

They line the edges of the cesspools
Into which we throw debris —
Spirits we have worn right out
No longer wish to smell or see —

And from those flailing multitudes
Each fish out one or two
To impart a modicum
Of badly needed mercy to

When either from that cesspool
Or safe ground outside it see
One of these kind workers near
Behooves us to respectful be

They’re near as badly wounded
As any they give rescue to
Stayed on those front lines anyway
Waiting to help you

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