Walked her to school this morning . . .


Elementary classroom
in Gaza, Haiti, or United States
Girl collapses amidst pungent smells of fear and gunpowder
Bright-red blood spurts from her chest
She’s seen enough for several lifetimes
ten years walking on Earth

Promise of this life offers parental pride and nurturance
Young love seen in dear one’s kind eyes
reflecting joy, resilience, intelligence in her own
As their bond deepens, they sleep together,
offer respect while being touched with respect
Mutual trust entwines their two lights into one radiant beacon

Hand-in-hand through hell or dancing in moonlight
Committed to each other as song resonates to engaged listener
In intimate moments they support fulfillment of dreams
She treads winding path and becomes a poet
Singer of magic
love that allows partner to be free

She could be my daughter
She could be yours
Loved one sings of rainbow bridge
She listens while gasping for breath in forth-grade classroom
as her life in this world
bleeds out

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