Punam is hosting Poetics in the dVerse Poets Pub ~ she asks us to look back one last time at 2025 ~ write about ways the year impacted us.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes ~~
I measured them in anger sharp enough to taste
politics pounding at the door of my chest
demanding I choose a side
In despair so vast it crossed oceans
Ukraine's broken mornings
mothers counting children instead of years
Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes ~~
I measured them in the quick lift of joy
of laughter surprising me midair
in the warmth of hands I trust
In minutes measured with pride
the quiet kind, helping others
without needing applause
Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes ~~
Wow! This is beautifully poignant. Your opening line/refrain grabs the reader.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed a lot of things getting worse... by having the good things as well it helps getting through
ReplyDeleteIn spite of it all, I am glad we are still around! Have a great year, Helen.
ReplyDeleteThis poem has such impact, Helen - the contrast between the two realities. Thank heaven for the positives to offset the craziness.
ReplyDelete