HOW COME
the same day an airplane was dashed
to bits in an empty field
and bombs exploded on small children
a gentle rain fell on the garden
pattering on the broad leaves of the squash
and watering the thirsty beets,
and while an earthquake
shook a south sea island in its heavy fist
scattering lives like wooden blocks
the sun came out
hanging rainbows in water droplets
that strung themselves along the fence
like Christmas lights?
Listening to the news
you can’t help but realize the world
is a frightening place to be
except right here where an ordinary lily
opens its vibrant orange throat.
