For Simon

say nation––but only once, at the start
say tomorrow will be different
say otherwise, tomorrow will have
          no difference
say people are not people, they are decimal places
say amen, second coming, red crucifix, preyed for us
say accomplice, say ignorance, nothing accomplished
say fire at close range, closed case, gasoline
say poor, many times, your household word
say West Philippine Seize, in prostration
say projected / parabolic / pause-phobic
say shut up, shut down, in media’s rest
say face-to-face-to-face-the-fasces
say blueprint… nothing follows

say we’re prepared.

say this speech is better heard without sound.