more reflections
on the way things should be

Not only am I allowed
to say what I feel
I am allowed to feel it
to say what I think
and think it

The difference
between allowed and enabled
is that allowed
gives permission
and enabled
provides the mechanism


never before
have I been reduced
to the barest minimum
looked Death in the face
and said No


Hazards

always
there are
things in common
trees
and power lines
downed
and dangerous


You issue the warning
“Do not drink the water”
hardly necessary
I can see it
and smell it
from here


a break in the wind
is not breaking wind


Mental

You’re always in your head,
aren’t you?
Apparently so.
That’s where I live.


Don’t you want
to get out of yourself?
Yes.
Help me know how.


“We’re here to help”

The next step
is after the first step.
The first step
is before the next.


Not just being polite

Pardon me.
No,
I really mean it,
Pardon
Me.


Pre-emptive pardons
are always useful.
They forgive me
for something
before I even do it.


Things fall apart

When you remove the restraints,
Things fall apart.


What?
Laws,
The constitution,
Old news?
Who can hear me
Say yes,
No?


I was going to read
but I’m not finished
chewing the meat
on the bone.


Progress update

You are allowed
to partially re-enter.


Disaster Control

We’re getting pretty good
at handling disasters
but I still
can’t go back into my house
or even know yet
if it’s still there


The heart of the community
swells
and I am stronger
than I was


when pushed to the edge
we see ourselves
looking back


get these words together
before they go up in smoke


I used to say
wherever I am
I’m always there
but when people say
“you’re not all there”
I don’t know where I am


I look down at my feet
to see me standing on sand
with the wave approaching.
I already know
when the sand is gone
I’m gone.
What to do? What to do?
Learn to swim?


it’s me
in my little house
trying to live
and “they” won’t let me
all across the world
it’s me
in my little house
trying to live
and “they” won’t let me