(Cathy Stewart sent me this after reading my poem posted this a.m. Thank you Cathy)

Try to praise the mutilated world.
Remember June’s long days,
and wild strawberries, drops of rosé wine.
The nettles that methodically overgrow
the abandoned homesteads of exiles.
You must praise the mutilated world.
You watched the stylish yachts and ships;
one of them had a long trip ahead of it,
while salty oblivion awaited others.
You’ve seen the refugees going nowhere,
you’ve heard the executioners sing joyfully.
You should praise the mutilated world.
Remember the moments when we were together
in a white room and the curtain fluttered.
Return in thought to the concert where music flared.
You gathered acorns in the park in autumn
and leaves eddied over the earth’s scars.
Praise the mutilated world
and the gray feather a thrush lost,
and the gentle light that strays and vanishes
and returns.

—Adam Zagajewski

10 dead in Boulder, 8 in Atlanta;

Law enforcement looks for motive.

In Georgia we’re told

It’s an anti Asian hate crime.

In Colorado we’re 

Waiting for “answers.”

What is driving the violence?

More than individual motives.

We were taught that

progress is steady 

and will prevail,

setbacks notwithstanding.

The pandemic challenges;

Corruption corrodes trust;

Poverty persists;

Inequality grows.

Peace remains 

A distant dream.

Anger and violence

is no surprise. 

March 25, 2021

Delighted to share this reading.