Tikkun Olam
(repair of the world)
A sharp
report rings out.
Red flowers bloom then fade
against white snow--harvest of fresh
sorrow.
II.
She folds
the single blanket carefully.
Wind scatters frozen leaves.
She cannot feel
her hands.
III.
The dead
slip through his dreams.
He sips strong coffee, steps
over rags and beggars' bowls, eyes
empty.
IV.
Keep one
splinter of glass, fill deep pockets
with round stones. Remember
the weight of your
promise.