It is likely the Bronx. Battered housing projects. Stretched shadows in groups. They’re the frame. A spontaneous memorial sprung up of mourning candles sputtering. Most have pictures of Mary or Jesus painted on their glass. Some withered roses hanging on there.

The police have cordoned off the crime scene. Mothers are weeping. Neighbors have come out in their robes. Whispering. It seems it was a child caught in the crossfire.

A gang banger with tattoos drawn like a religious text scrawled up to his chin says to no one in particular,

Bang. Bang.
it’s America
you’re dead

Jack Galmitz