Redshirts

[Tiger the Lion]

On first read I took this as a commentary on the politicizing of Covid. (especially in the context of Texas) This read admittedly may have been influenced by my own prejudices, and so I Googled "Redshirts." I'm a fan of Star Trek, so I was surprised I hadn't heard of it. Now I can't help but read it as a Star Trek metaphor for the politicizing of Covid. (especially in the context of Texas) 

Draped in blood, we die bloodlessly
for we chose security over science,
and now we run beneath the not-blue sky. it's mostly these first 3 lines that nurtured my interpretation
Talismans held in front of them, this for me is an abrupt jump from "we" to "them" (I don't know who "they" are yet)
dowsing rods to child gods,
lodestones for sentient clouds that need clouds presents interesting options here
to understand how humans work.
Every first contact is our last. I think First Contact may be a proper noun and need caps. I may be wrong.
A light blossoms, a flower opens
within our chests
till we are cinders within I feel like "cinders" was subbed for "embers" here. If so, well done. If not, still well done.
a sack of sparks, this is a great line in any context. 

only ever last names.