THOUGHT I’D LIVE IN A HOUSE

in the country, surrounded by trees,

she speaks aloud on our Sunday drive.

Marveling at the wealthy homes she sees.

Waking to songs of birds, I’d feel so alive.

coffee on the deck to begin each day,

It’d feel like church, a perfect place to pray.

Set way back off the road, so much space.

Now I know we’ll never live in such a place.

SUFFERING

Don’t tell me

how you’re suffering,

we’re lucky.

Electric

is off, but we have water,

food, and gas to cook.

We’ve got books,

candles, flashlights, games.

Others lost

every piece

of clothes, furniture, photos,

cars,entire homes.

After a week,

our lights came back on.

Others died,

don’t complain

about your iphone’s charge

or gas ration lines.