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Sean Patrick Conlon
The White Man's Nosebleed
Whether we like it or not, we must go on slaughtering the natives in English fashion, and taking what muddy glory lies in wholesale killing till they have learned to respect our arms. The more difficult task of getting them to respect our intentions will follow.
New York Criterion, 1899
A drop of blood falls onto the white cotton pillow of a king
sized bed in an expensive hotel. I slip the pillowcase off
and set it aside, reach for a tissue.
Later that evening, the red stain has faded
just slightly, turning not brown as I expected,
but a soft pink, like flower petals. I imagine my blood
is this beautiful
color.
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