When did we forget

To dream inside a ravished land-

scape mal-nourished by greed’s stagnant

waters. Fear drips gray clouds

until the sun burst from that place

called hope.

When did we forget to wake

beside love? Nightmares spread from the inside

trapping time in their blind search for light.

We carry the memory of balance

on a scale of truth, waiting

for the collective heart

to beat a steady rhythm

again. I have seen promise

slip through cracks. A child

too small to carry someone else’s

pain. I have seen joy flash

brilliant hues in the blink between

darkness.