An unexpected frost masks the Velux windows
this morning. When I step out, I see the grass
is rimed and crisped. And when I reach
the grounds of the gym the heat of the sun
slanting through the branches of the giant oaks
is raising wisps of steam from the icy ground,
like wishes, like dreams. Small moments
of pause, when we allow ourselves to notice
the ordinary beauty in our lives, are always
welcome, aren’t they? Especially after a few
days of despair at the inhumanity we have all
now seen, the terrible darkness of a man shot
in a city street, killed for witnessing and caring.
What else can we do but go on believing
in things like goodness and light, in courage
and a rejection of hate? This morning’s ice
has all melted but it is not forgotten, just like
the last words spoken by that man, ‘Are you okay?’
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