Walk in September

The night was corpse-quiet,
The city was asleep.
Footsteps were the only sound
A listening ear could reap.

He took his walks to ease his pain,
Which rippled through his mind.
He wished to fill the emptiness
That was gaping in the sky.

He walked to the deserted park
When he decided to go back,
But sitting in the deepest dark
Was a man dressed in black.

His head was down, he seemed indeed
A sorrowed, broken soul.
The walker felt a sudden need
To interrupt his evening stroll.

"Sir," said he, "don't mean to pry
But your grieving's so severe.
I think I share your feelings sir,
And I'll share a listening ear."

The man's face shifted,
But it remained concealed by the night,
It seemed as though his face repelled
The glimmering moonlight.

He said, "My only problem, friend,
Is that I am all alone.
I want a place without prejudice,
A place to call my home."

"Your country seems so beautiful,
But it is like the rest.
If you see that someone's different,
You try to drive them out like pests."

The walker nodded, knowing full
The nation's tolerance was low.
Equality fell to sickening depths
Since one year ago.

The walker still retaliated,
A patriot indeed,
Sworn as soldier and as citizen
To uphold his country's creed.

"Understand our vision changed
The day the ashes rose,
Yet color has no matter here,
It was not a fatal blow."

"Color's not my problem, friend,"
The man in black expressed.
"Colors aren't why I wish to leave,
Race cannot cause this mess."

"Wish to leave?!" The walker laughed.
"Sir, you would be a fool.
Any other country
Would treat you twice as cruel!"

"With that, I truly have my doubts,"
The man in black then laughed.
"You act as if you know it all,
When you barely know the facts."

The walker countered swiftly now,
Frustrated by this talk.
If the stranger wouldn't reason soon,
He would end this midnight walk.

"Race, gender, or religion,
The US doesn't care!
Your brethren could attack us,
And you'd still be treated fair!

A wealthy man or poverty,
Married or alone.
Equality is here my friend,
And I cannot condone,

Your statements and your reasoning,
They make very little sense,
Have you one word to prove me wrong-
By all means, commence!"

The walker then felt swelling pride,
Knowing he would have his way.
The man in black then turned to him . . .
He had something left to say.

"You see you still don't understand . . .
Your country is too pure."
He whispered as he disappeared
"My name is Lucifer."