a poem of misunderstanding by dakota pollock

why did it have to be taylor
when there are others
both cruel and inhumane
who bankrupt their own brother
after violent arguments
regarding inheritances;
murderers who smile
while on trial in court,
the families of the victims
grieving and weeping and crying
trying to find meaning and closure
after the lawyers defend these men
with twisted and complicated defenses
go home to kiss their daughters
and teach them about values and morality.
that we have to rely on donations
to bury our children
and buy their medicine
so they can continue to live.
different children
facing disciplinary action
and punishment
and expulsion
threatened by school administration
because they can’t pay their lunch bills
and the lunch ladies and the teachers
fired and fine
for giving the lunch away for free
because they won’t and cant
allow a child
to go hungry.

why did it have to be taylor
when young, able bodied men
sit on the subway benches
while a pregnant woman
is ready to faint from the
extra weight she carries.
the bulge of her belly
like stained crescent moons
annoying the young man.
it’s in his way and he has
a long night of drinking
and harassing women
and bartenders
and cabdrivers
and servers
ahead of him.

seagulls swallowing six pack rings
and turtles with plastic straws
shoved up their nostrils
unable to breathe the
pollution in the air
while their eggs hatch
in the oil spills of the sea.

why did it have to be taylor
when the misfortune of the people
is monetized and exploited
so a half dozen men can get
even richer and buy homes
with unnecessary features
like oversized garages
and bathrooms attached
to waterslides leading
to an indoor pool.

why did it have to be taylor
when i’d never known
someone so sweet
and encouraging
and rare
and while men
practice piano
and learn how to paint
they will never know
the talent of living
which is a gift
you are born with
and taylor
had easily and naturally
perfected it