i serve the food, pour the water
because my privilege
is their fodder.
i twirl the kids, read the book
if only to be spared
their desperate look.
i sweep the floor, mop the chapel,
remove the rot
from david’s apple.
i monitor the game, coach the team
expunge the nightmare
from silvia’s dream.
i volunteer, this much is clear:
i am here
because i can be, should be, would
never not be.
i only wish
for so much more
than they can see.
