Surreal dawn
jolts
from restless dreams
snow falls on
blackened boughs
and vacant playgrounds
where hopes burgeoned before
we fell asleep to
exploding lies from
invading bombs
memories splinter
day – night – candlelight
we brace for the menace
of mad men and missiles
when daylight comes
we will collect flowers
walk with our dogs
hug strangers and
strum chords
on the tendrils of spring
where hope flows
in swathes of yellow and blue
Rise by Sobhna Poona
