for tarp people anywhere

our house no longer stands
this tarpaulin will be our only roof and walls now
winds batter us, though quieter, gentler than the bombs
we are chilled by the nights wind through torn holes
and there is nowhere to hide away from crimson screaming images
memories that jump up like blooded targets in my daydreaming
these walls will not protect us from harms way
our children cry themselves to sleep, hungry
day by day stray bullets and poverty assault us
we hope despite all this, for our nonviolent lovers who will intervene

your hammer blows stopped more deaths
planes stopped hauling deadly cargo - for a time
your playfulness made some laugh, made them less angry
prayers well who knows what would have been without them
your shared food, warmth and shelter are the basics we needed
love...your giving began to make us whole, safe, survivors
fed, protected and comforted
we will deeply breathe, sigh and sadly sigh again
though my friends, its not time for you to take a break
other wars rage and we are yet weak