Rosa,
This war comes upon us so fast
No one could predict it
It’s ravaging through cities and villages
I shake in my sleep
Everyday I hear from the news
Of new battles and deaths
They are coming close
I recall the time we met not so long ago
We were smiling at each other across the pool tables
But I was too shy to ask for your name
I thought we’d meet again and I’d ask you then…
But this war comes upon us so fast
No one could predict it
It’s ravaging through cities and villages
I shake in my sleep
Rosa is the name I made up for you
From a character I saw on TV
She had long black curly hair
And a bright smile like you
No, yours was even more beautiful!
Oh, Rosa, I wish I’d asked for your name!
I wish I weren’t feeling insecure then…
But this war comes upon us so fast
No one could predict it
It’s ravaging through cities and villages
I shake in my sleep
I flip through old newspapers
Scrounging through the classifieds
For the off chance to come upon your face
But no dice…
Steel birds are circling the sky
Their noises are maddening
I catch myself in the mirror laughing
Hysterically…
My anxiety scars are thickened by the day
I become a soldier today, there are
Things we can only learn in war
Who of us will come out alive? But Rosa,
If we do make it through to the other end
And by some great chance meet again
I will ask for your name!
I will call you by your name!
Jul 14, 2020
Gnocchi Artyst
