It came from somewhere we cannot see.

The sewage pumped into lakes.

It came from a place we do not know.

Crouched behind a tree in the yard, a girl is crying.

It came from words we refuse to speak.

The empty eyes of a lone metro rider working up the nerve to jump.

It came from pain we allow to fester.

A child presses their body against the wall, waiting for the drill to be over.

It came from a time we neglect to consider.

The schoolyard is full of children wishing to die.

It came from cries we resisted hearing.

Somewhere, something is burning.