The year 2020 was the year
grief wrapped itself around our bones
and tightened its grip
as thousands of spirits were ripped from flesh
and hurled into the night sky

The year 2020 was also the year
the cup of injustice overflowed
with rage embracing bitterness
while history demanded
closer scrutiny

The year 2020 will be remembered as
the beginning
the end
the turning point
the arrow that pierced
hope reborn
beauty for ashes
and not simply
as the year of fires and screams

In life’s rearview
Rosa refused to stand
Nelson paid the price for his land
King’s dream was shattered by a bullet
which birthed more bullets for the chocolate man
Until we said NO MORE!

Awakened by the scent of angry winds...

her heart thrills in anticipation

Others flee

but not she

Instead...rising to

greet the hysterical storm below

Spreading  her wings

welcoming the screams
closing her eyes

as she’s lifted

by raging winds

to soar with grace

across bemused skies

Be as wise as water
and take the path of least resistance
Be as mean as water
and drown all the sorrows can you find
Be a patient as water
and erode all the mountains over time
and
Be as loving as water
and leave oases of yourself behind

© Vivian Zems

A tree stares in disbelief at
an axe with an unsharpened edge
Unsure if its fate is to be beaten rather than
chopped to death
before giving birth to tables and chairs
A pavement recoils in disgust
that weeds and not roses sprout from its crevices
Indignant at the unfairness of it all
Even the pictures painted
by words scrawled on anguished walls
seem to have something to say
While I’m lost in thought
on a park bench
trying to make sense
of masked
lockdown/murdering/rioting days

“stay low, go fast,

**** first, die last,

one shot, one ****,

no luck, all skill”

(Unofficial Navy Seal Slogan)

I stand at the graveside watching
as each person steps forward
to throw dirt on the coffin

I study each face closely
and marvel at all humanity
What is it about funerals
that causes all to attend?

And yet in a life well spent
not a visit, not even a scent
I laid down my life, as you see
laid it so they could be free

It must be a sense of duty
now they come to visit me
Oh- the hypocrisy of humanity!
And now another journey awaits me

I soar to meet passing clouds
caught in the upstream of wind
a final glance, and just by chance
I catch your eyes following me

©Vivian Zems