Anatomy of a Tragedy

Contributor: Richard Schnap

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I am the outcast
Following the orders
Echoing in my mind

I am the student
Begging the outcast
To please spare my life

I am the mother
Answering the phone call
That freezes my blood

I am the doctor
Fighting tears as I decide
Who will live or die

I am the preacher
Wondering if my words
Do any good at all

And I am the outcast
Watching the coverage
While fingering my gun


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Richard Schnap is a poet, songwriter and collagist living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His poems have most recently appeared locally, nationally and overseas in a variety of print and online publications.