After the Bombs

After the bombs.
After the earth shaking burst
of fire and rubble,

after the shock
of torn flesh and torn hearts;
after the dust falls

like angry snow in the wind,
after it all, healing
is the ultimate revenge.

About the Poem

Yes, the idea came from the bombings in Boston yesterday, but that horrific episode brought to mind others, other bombings here in the US and elsewhere, lives that have been undercut and sabotaged by loved ones and enemies alike, the twisted hate that justifies any action, any lie, any hurt.

And how, while the natural desire, our must human desire, is always to strike back, healing to live and love again, despite our brokenness despite how difficult healing can be, is often the most painful thing to those who want to hurt us.

The photograph was taken in New York City.

Tom