Cithara Patra

I ONLY WENT TO THE STORE

we ran out of eggs
and the store was a few blocks away
it was 5 AM when I stepped outside
a few cars zoomed by as i made my way
i turned the corner and they grabbed me
no words but kicks and punches
breathing in my ear
hands grabbing and shoving me to the ground
does anyone see this?
they’re not coming to my rescue

tears won’t run as they drag me
screams won’t leave my mouth as they yank me
don’t resist, don’t talk back
if i value my life, I won’t fight for it
no explanations will work as they drag me
far from my sidewalk, away from the store
...i was going there.

this is the world I live in now
a world without empathy
no one cares about these bruises
i’ll disappear and no one will know
the bruises on body may heal
maybe i’ll find a way back
and i’ll return without trust
in my fellow man
or love for my country

i lost my freedom at 5 AM
walking to the store
i know i’m not the only one
we suffer together for being
in the wrong place
we’re still in the wrong place
will we make it back?

it’s a big price to pay
and all I wanted
were eggs.


Cithara's YouTube reading of "i only went to the store"


Cithara confesses: "The general inspiration is the news of people being taken away off the streets. Many of them are taken without questions. I just wanted to get into the thoughts of someone in that situation."

CITHARA PATRA currently lives in North Carolina with their family. They've written for a few literary journals including CafeLit, Poetries in English, The Quasar Review, Instant Noodles, and 50 Word Stories. In their spare time, they travel and check out brand new places to eat.