Four Expressions Poem by Raj Dronamraju

I was there when she checked out
I was there when the ledge proved too low for her
I gave it a nod and a shrug and a look of approval and a look of disapproval

I was there when she chainsmoked annihilation
I was there when she walked blind into a chasm
I gave it a wink and a frown and a thumbs up and a thumbs down

I've rehearsed simple truths about the difficulty of life
The burning bush and the disembodied voice of the oxymoronic mute

I was there when she started setting up the shroud
I was there when she chose between the crib and the coffin
I gave it eyes squinted shut and eyes wide open with fear, a sneer and a grimace

I was there for the joyless get together that protocol demands
I was there when the morning after memories of the conscripted grind kick in
I gave it leering mockery and o shaped mouth gasping in air in shock, cheeks sunken in and insincere smile that barely rates

I am long past disapproval of how others live, disappointment is their system of government and they are in no mood for rebellion
Artificial crackling nullity around your being, no expression to match this zero state