Morning Rush

see me as I am
sitting here in torn robe
hair askew
know me as I stand
beside you on the step
chapped hands
waving as the bus
pulls them away

know that I will be
dancing my story
feet aflame
Listen to my song
set to melodious silence
cracked voice
carried away
on the wind

hear the words I send
flying on the breeze
mind a whir
recognize my dream
stirring again
warming my coffee

Haitian Mama

Sunken into the ground
ruined concrete covers
treasures,trinkets, trash
Surrounded by her belongings
Scattered fragments of
the favorite white teacup with the yellow rose
Lay beside her thigh
She cannot see
them through
imprisoning beams


Spine curved unnaturally upon itself
Bruised arms wrapped tightly
Precious cargo crushed in loving embrace
She holds on to life’s blood
Bearing her breast to infant mouth
Soothing mother and child
As they wait