C-SPAN-INSPIRED POETRY PROMPT: I THINK THEY GO HOME AND CRY

I THINK THEY GO HOME AND CRY

In public they speak

Their souls for sale

But look into their eyes

Therein is Good that hates the lies

I think they go home and cry

In rolled the greed-filled tide

That swept them up

Poisoned their minds

Unable to put their pride aside

I think they went home and cried

There’s no hiding

True thoughts; pure angst

Their faces do betray

Every word they say is scrutinized

I think they go home and cry

How does fear do its damning thing?

How does it convince the mind

To stand for wrong, and punish right?

I think they go home and cry

To see the error of one’s way

Yet plow forward; surmise

That hurting lives at whim is wise

I think they go home and cry

When the deals are done

They win, but you lose

Quickly they forget

They once needed you

They flash their strained smiles

Knowing all the while

Some choice they have made

Will upset and rile

They get into their cars

Struggle with each breath

Guilt and shame impede

Sorrow overwhelms

They get to their doors

Scarcely get inside

Drop their things and scream

Close their eyes and cry

What’s done to others will transfer

And grief be multiplied

And callous acts in mirrors shine

Wealth won't heal or immortalize
Tears will try to materialize

They will--at death--apologize

And none will mourn

Though some will sigh

But NONE will go home and cry

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