the aftering

I know other things
have happened
in what for us was nighttime
under the glare of sunlight
over there
or
yes
under cover here
save for stars and moon

new things
and then
as well
perpetuation of the old
ongoing
without ceasing
all the bad things
overwhelming
so it seems

when will it end
and what shape
is the terminus
will we know it
when we get there

there
a block for worry while
we bury devastation

and then
what happens
next
to stay
and who has the energy
remaining
to rebuild

and what about the funds
required
and sustenance to keep us going
in the meantime
and meanwhile

and plus
should anything resurge
disease
or battle
or the fire
and typically
tragically
the quake

what shall the aftereffects
do to us
the trauma now
impeding
any hope of progress
of ongoing life
that is
leaping over crises
and catastrophes
to resume
and now
resume again

heaven help us
and we might ask about
the first
time

where were you
and
yes
we must say
we’ll even plead
come here now
some sort of
Immanuel

c l couch


photo by Museums Victoria on Unsplash