The Ponderosa's Pointy Pines

Straddling the fence

Holding onto the ledge for dear life.

You in the corner, quivering in fright.

You on the podium shouting outright lies.

You in the fire’s light, beaming resolve from your eyes

You, the child tossing and turning in the middle of the night.

You haven’t given up your fight.

You might be losing it.

You might have turned pain into delusion to survive.

Your eyes may reflect computerized binary polarizing.

Your mouth may spew off anxiety by plotting the enemy’s demise.

You are right on time.

You are beautiful.

In all your mighty might.

You are grace and you are pure light.

Take my hand.

Can we walk together through this smoke-filled night?

Ashes to ashes

Dust to dust

We all fall down

Ashes to ashes

Dust to dust

Look!

The Ponderosa’s pointy pines

Still sway gently side to side.

-Joanna R Fassl, 9/14/2020