sometimes I shut my eyes and try and hope
that no one else gets hurt
gets sick
loses a life or a friend
sometimes I click my heels and grit my teeth and hope
for babies to stay alive in their mother’s belly’s
sometimes I hold my breath and duck in hopes
that hurricanes will pass me by
and I will be able to survive
and I will be able to survive the pain
that comes
that stabs
that tears through
and leaves
so many
wounded
I don’t think I want to watch this part
I say to my life reel
The scenes unfold
And I cover my ears
While you tell me about your husband
And I try to look for roses and dewdrops and beach horizons
But I see the frailty when you look back
And fear that moment will take me over.
Sometimes I wonder when I’ll crumble.
Please keep me safe
Please keep them safe
My world
My friends
In jeopardy.
Sometimes I sit here and hope
That these tragedies will dissipate
And a day will dawn
Free of brokenness
And full of oxygen.