watering the plants
suddenly discovering
sparkling icicles
naked mulberry branches
glistening in the moonlight

Twelve days ago I had the opportunity to tour New Orleans. And although fifteen months have passed since the day the levees gave up, the city and its people are still struggling with the aftermath of the devastation, left that day. In a full morning filled with sights of pain and destruction, sadness and loneliness, I even had the chance to enter the home of a co-worker (I work for a large social service agency), and witness how the storm and the flood damaged their home and interrupted their lives. Downtown, you see one business open next to another one in shambles. The list of the deceased speaks of a large percentage, a very large percentage, of senior citizens dying that day. A tremendous American tragedy.

mardi gras masks
in every store window
shielding pain and tears

eastern vision
giant frosty moon
rising