What can pierce the soul
and rend the spirit
like swallowed glass?

Acts of evil, sharp
arrows of hate.
Blustery nature need not find
the door open wide.

Within you the shield
to blunt the pain
pierce through tragedy
send sorrow packing.

With soldiery posture
black crows of your spirit
create a ruckus
to rout it all out.

Bone up on passion, wisdom
acts of justice and love.
Weave a thick armor
your soul won’t be bombed.

-Sue Neufarth Howard