Halfway through another week,
morning coffee and news.
I’m stiffly sitting, couch like brick.
She’s ready, hair brushed, eager
for breakfast and YouTube shorts.
I’m waiting for her to still.
How do I explain the gun,
school children her age gone
from this world? Arm on her shoulder
hold her close, hold them all
because policy, lockdowns, police,
governments are spiraling
inadequate and endless.