One More Day
After people I kept rolling away rocks
to let the plumes pass—why
was I here again
was I here again
testing the depth of the smoke
with the back of my hand.
with the back of my hand.
Things had been going hellishly for a long while
which meant many were making me hate
which meant many were making me hate
and now just me—
a voice I couldn’t place called out
saying maybe the fire will save the house,
saying maybe the fire will save the house,
did it mean spare.
There had been another flare-up
and I welcomed the staticky cry.
and I welcomed the staticky cry.
It did not ask for my help and I did not offer.
I was still counting down days to a new conception
instead of
instead of
hosing down the straw houses of my neighbors.
Ash landed on my cheek
it was a ladybug—
it was a ladybug—
I didn’t even know what it was until it flew off in a gust.
There is a lot about others I don’t remember,
outliving an interest.
outliving an interest.
What is the point, the same voice said,
of remembering you are not the only one
blowing yourself down.
blowing yourself down.
