The Path of Righteousness

The path of righteousness is paved in bone mortar
with pebbles skittering downward
and clots of botflies dogging you with every step.

You’ll find it lined with children’s shoes
nested in pointe ribbon bandages, pink
and red trails speckled with viscera.

It is an endless slog affording a view
of mangled concrete and rebar, of protruding hands 
patiently awaiting the bulldozer.

For you must shore up the path of righteousness;
build it out further still to reach towards
those glorious, sought-after sea views.

The creation of state requires an ample supply of white cotton
so that you might see it wrapped around the dead
before you snatch it away to fashion yourself

A wardrobe of sackcloth and ashes.