This poem was supposed to trip into a mess
Expose and explore an ugliness.

But my heart overflows, lifts the corners of my lips,
Crinkles my eyes as I breathe these moments of bliss:
My youngest’s soothing coos, trying to keep their canine sidekick still,
My eldest’s hesitance and confidence, his hands on the wheel,
A salad for lunch, some crispness to savor,
The three of us — family —  working apart and together,
A long avoided task finally ticked off my to-do,
A day of learning, accomplishment and gratitude.

I think it’s going to be okay
To save outrage for another day.