Was a day
great sound from the sky
made us shake
then we found a word
that brought it to us
and we did not shake.

Was a day
strange flying beast
darted brittle past us
and we were afraid
then we found a word
that brought it to us
and we did not shake.

Was a day
sharp sounds
and screams echoed
and we were afraid
and there is no word
to stop the shaking.

Thunder and dragonfly
are mighty and amazing;
fingers squeezing triggers
in our schools —
there is no word
to stop the shaking.

people watch others
through little wedged instants
that open between them
in a crowded room

the odds of seeing
someone looking back at you
are slim to none
unless you stare
even when there is
no curious flare
of eyes looking back

feigning nonchalance
or looking away
at the instant of connection
is a coward’s game
lock in
stand
cross the gap
be someone else’s
wedge of insight
for a moment

drop the disguise
say
hello