To Wendy G.

Your house is a palace
Of hope above fear
Love before hatred
Freedom after slavery
Tears wet and warm against cold talons
Of sordid greedy vipers---the world's leaders writhing and coiling
In their madness---And yet
We still smile and live;
Because the sun still rises
The moon will shine
And the stars will keep their brightness
And the flowers,
Yes,
The trees
The skies...
It is a miracle
When I breathe before
Your eyes.