‘Nikki Haley…signed Israeli artillery shells with the inscription “Finish Them!” on a Memorial Day visit to Israel.’
The Guardian, 5/28/2024

Fewer things anger me
morely than a passive-
aggressive ‘Please advise’,
leaving me to name
and solve the obvious
because you can’t be
bothered. Here
let me bear that for you,
make your life
easier, simplify my pain
to bullet points and action
items. Even highlight
your part, your role,
your responsibility so that
you are doubly-helped by
me, the adult with lists checked,
bills paid, you, comforted.

And I always sign
my work, affix my name to
assume my portion, my
burden. Yet I also
know how this message will find
you. Anxious, ambivalent, a little
tired. Which is why I’d never presume
to sign my name to your wellness, even
hopefully. Because I know this
will always find you. Here or there.
Gaza or Israel. Email or
ordinance. My name will find
you, whether you are well.