the horse's head
hangs low tonight
for ashes
have replaced
what was once
a pile
of putrid refuse
still the burning
stench remains

the horse's head
hangs low tonight
for peace treaties
have replaced
what was once
a collection
of machetes
still the blood
stains remain

the horse's head
hangs low tonight
for condoms
have replaced
what was once
reckless
sex
still the decimating AIDS
epidemic remains

the horse's head
hangs low tonight
for a heavy rain
has replaced
what was once
two years
of drought
still the people's thirst
remains unquenched

the horse's head
hangs low tonight
for a bustling market
has replaced
what was once
an empty
lot
still the landscape
remains barren

the horse's head
hangs low tonight
for tin shacks
have replaced
what was once
a homeless
existence
still high unemployment
rates remain

the horse's head
hangs low tonight
for 250 shillings
have replaced
what was once
a rumbling
stomach
still the majority
remain wanting

the horse's head
hangs low tonight
for a rehabilitation center
has replaced
what was once
a cocaine
user
still the most
remain addicted

my head
hangs low tonight
for a teddy bear
has replaced
what was once
an orphan's
loneliness
still there is nothing
more I can do

for now