Richard Bonk

a confluence of mixed emotions fuels and ignites hearts

(a reflective poem offered as this confused being attempts to process the goings on in our outside world -- including our neighborhood-- and in his inner world, accompanied by a "phoenix fire" mandala: r bonk May/June 2020)

waking with an acrid taste in my mouth,

a blend of bile and smoldering smoke,

last night more social unrest.

our “model” metropolis

smoldering with resurgent flames,

now famous.

all eyes on our town

as if it is up to us

to both bring justice

and regain control.

shock, anger, sorrow, fear, confusion,

and emotions not yet fully formed

or yet expressed

and strangely surreal,

even wonder,

mix.

and fueled by frustration, hate, desperation

even hope,

ignite fires

that burn business as usual

and threaten protections.

what next?

can we keep our hearts open

while we clean and salvage,

regain some semblance of a norm,

inhale once again,

reflect,

forgive,

serve justice

for all?

one idealized nation,

united though divided,

this rich mix,

fertile ground

to feed a dream

for socially supported

healing

and happiness

for all.