the night is long

it's an angry mob,
fueled by failure,
that breaks into the liquor store,
throwing a brick
through the front window,
but the anger
turns to happiness
as they carry out
their crates
of booze, bottles of fine
wine.
beer in cases.
the looters are happy now
as they lean
over the register
and pull a few dollars out.
someone lights a match,
and a cheer erupts,
they drink
and stand to admire
the flames as they roll
without mercy down the ancient
block of buildings
and homes.
the protest march goes on,
there are other stores
to loot and burn,
the night is dark,
the night is long.