from The Philadelphia Inquirer

Blast on Base Kills at Least 22

Death toll numbers do no justice
to tiny beating hearts now scattered over Kabul
to soldiers killed on Christmas Eve
Papers promising a return home still in their hands
to family pictures now outdated
of lovers and children who no longer smile
for cameras.

Death toll numbers do no justice
Do no justice
No justice.

Maybe
Justice is served on a warm platter
over a Holiday dinner
as someone confidently and easily explains
what cannot easily be explained
and all the while death toll numbers keep rising.

By Nicole Tabolt



Bio: Nicole Tabolt is a senior at the University of Pennsylvania and member of the Kelly Writers House.