Revision for Hope in Spring Carries On

Spring arrives regardless of a dead-dry drought

Even as gusty winds ignite imposing flames.

April only knows to bring hope into our world.

But why –

Heaven comes in the scent of pink jasmine

while hell is in the shape of war I can’t reach.

But why –

Trees sprout honeydew-colored leaves as

unwitting humans cease to see spring again.

But why –

Sitting on a warm patio with abundant Fuchsia

as male dictators slither in cold blood power.

But why –

Birds building intricate nests with purity

when our earth cries in agony but isn’t heard.

But why –

I am as bereft as a broken-stemmed bud

We live on a ruptured, barnacled ship moving

toward black waters; spring’s light seems unjust.

But why –

~Valerie Anne Burns

(Poem dedicated to our troubling times)

I stand with Mother-Earth

I stand with Ukraine and Against All Tyranny

Stay strong and stand-up for what's right.

Keep on swimming through life,

Valerie Anne