Books and books written
entire forests razed
some wizened scientists say no
some fellowed professors say yes
let’s vote and be done with it
after all we are a democracy
Gore v. Bush not withstanding
Citizens United shoved aside
is there a god who listens to our prayers
makes sure we land the job
at Salesforce, sees our daughters
go to Stanford and our soufflés rise every time
or should we repurpose churches
into housing for the homeless
now living under bridges or huddled
in cardboard boxes marked “This End Up”
should we turn temple parking lots
into outdoor schools for our children
let’s vote, despite the risk
of mail in ballots
and Russian interference
despite the risk that a defeated god
may hit the streets with the Seraphim
armed with swords and spears
Claire Scott is an award-winning poet who has received multiple Pushcart Prize nominations. She is published in Atlanta Review, Bellevue Literary Review, New Ohio Review, among others. Claire is the author of Waiting to be Called and Until I Couldn’t. She is co-author of Unfolding in Light: A Sisters’ Journey in Photography and Poetry.
