Home (land) Security

Survival
(written in spring, 2003)

Dear, please replenish the woodpile
for the fireplace
while I shop for
water
batteries
canned food
duct tape
and sheets of plastic.

Wait.
Stop.
Who am I kidding?
Survival at what cost?
Heart-stopping anxiety?
Paralyzing fear?
Floating in a dark sea of isolation?

No.
We'll live our lives
The best weapons we have
Against hatred and fear
Are love, laughter, and caring
Not plastic and Duct tape.

So replenish the woodpile
for the fireplace, dear
While I shop instead for
Wine and cheese,
Popcorn and lemonade.

We'll snuggle up by the fireplace
In the quilt grandma made
and enjoy being a family.
Love and caring, not plastic and duct tape,
Reduce the anxiety
Lessen the fear
Make survival
Worthwhile.