never turn into butterflies even if you sing Kumbaya Cinse Bonino from: life lines — poems from the pandemic

at times we find ourselves in a barren landscape empty due to fire betrayal or loss when I was younger I’d sit there my skin burning by day curled body shivering at night I did not yet recognize it as the space in-between what used to be and what would be these days I walk on through sometimes slowly other times stepping more purposefully I welcome the winds blowing through me clearing out residue making space for what comes next

the river’s path will forever stay the same. It’s idiocy to ignore the strength of the wind. Cinse Bonino from: life lines — poems from the pandemic

right now feel the certainty of the sun’s warmth delight in birdsong trust the breeze to tell you secrets Cinse Bonino from: life lines — poems from the pandemic

1/4-sized teaspoon of hope I have to dig a tiny depression under all the heaviness. I can make room next to me here if you need it. Cinse Bonino from: life lines — poems from the pandemic

it appears as if I’m not doing much of anything but down in the basement I am weaving hope Cinse Bonino from: life lines — poems from the pandemic

the horrible treatment of others isn’t happening is what got us into this mess in the first place Cinse Bonino from: life lines — poems from the pandemic

he stopped saying goodbye to his wife even if he was only stepping out to buy bread. Now he says I love you instead. Cinse Bonino from — life lines//poems from the pandemic

crocodile skinned arms are soaking up the sun in celebration that I’m still alive. The wind applauds as we walk by. Cinse Bonino from — life lines//poems from the pandemic