Jose Padua: On the Half-life of Memory and All the Lives Lost in the Process

After you’ve invaded someone’s
country enslaved its people
tortured its citizens
insulted and belittled its culture
and beliefs
it’s a little late
in the proceedings
and in the course of history
to expect them all
to now be reasonable
and understand that
you’re part of a tradition
and in response
have respect for your
culture and beliefs,
which doesn’t mean
I’m not sorry
about every goddamn death
and murder
that takes place
each time someone blinks
or breathes
or that being able
to express sorrow
isn’t itself a great
and merciless
priviledge.

—
copyright 2015 by Jose Padua

Fort Royal, January 11, 2015, photo by Jose Padua