The New Normal

 

There is cloud cover, this morning, as on

so many mornings this summer - better than

the heat which is setting towns and cities ablaze

across the world. Would we ever have dreamed

the world would be in such distress this soon,

with politicians setting target dates farther

and farther away, hoping it becomes
someone else's problem?

Now you are getting used to things

you never expected - the "new normal",

and it isn't normal at all.

Uvalde, a shooter at a 4th of July day parade,

rockets bombing civilians and towns into rubble,

poles melting, animals starving, people dying

of heat, from floods, from drought and famine.

But yesterday I went to the local animal rescue

and volunteered. I met a diffident white wolf

whose trust has been broken a time or two.

I looked into his wolfy eyes. He doesn't know

what truly belonging somewhere even means.

I will go back and walk him. I will hope

his forever person finds him and teaches

his watchful brown eyes to shine.

There is a bird that can only be heard

by someone who has come to be alone.

That someone is me, content in my silent rooms,

my silent life, ears tuned for birdcall

and ocean roar. Grateful that this moment

is peaceful, and Enough, and knowing

all too well, watching the news, that,

at any moment, everything I am used to

and take for granted

can be gone.

Inspired by Into the Mystery by Tony Hoagland - the italicized words are his.