Red Carpets by Laala Kashef Algata

We’re used to seeing blood

now, the sand is soaked

with it, we hear it squelch

beneath our feet. The kids

build sandcastles

and we hold out our arms

to stop them and watch

their expressions drop.

Their abrupt disappointment

paints their faces dead

and we rush forward in regret

offering the smothering kisses

birthed from chronic pain.

We’re used to seeing blood

and every child’s graze

is a flashback to their slack mouths

and lifeless eyes;

we press our children closer.

Rockets explode overhead

showering us with sparks

and Sarah’s tears as she convulses,

shaking with fright.

We’re used to seeing the blood

now, shivering in our veins

and bursting from restraint

waiting for its spectacular entrance,

producing its own red carpet.

Biography – Laala Kashef Alghata is a twice-published poet and novelist. Her poetry and prose collection, Behind the Mask: A Folded Heart is avaliable on Amazon.co.uk. Last month, her poetry was the focus of an exhibit in Clemson Arts Centre, SC. She has been featured widely online; she is a poet-in-residence in Soul to Soul, ArgoBoat and the Peregrine Muse and appears in Argotist Online, Pens on Fire and The Blotter. She is the founder and editor of online poetry magazine, Write Me a Metaphor.

http://www.writemeametaphor.com/

http://afoldedheart.blogspot.com/