All We Can Do (Poem)

because the tidal overwhelm of war remains,

and women cry until they have no voice

and orphaned children die in cratered streets

and everywhere men kill other men because they can.

I sit with my back straight and become glass.

all the grief of the world washes through me

and through you, a darkened ink of light.

we breathe. all we can do.

because the common squabble of life constantly rains,

and this one accuses that one over something

and words become harsh here there everywhere

and bitterness becomes ordinary coin.

I carry kindness in my pockets to give away

as do you, little bits of good to see us through the day.

we smile. all we can do.

we all do what we can. that is all we can do.