Fifty years
the rumble
the shock
one minute brushing my teeth and
surprise!
I've tumbled into the bathtub
dishes rattling
kitchen clutter
and the sudden knowing this was a
BIG one,
not particularly so under our feet,
but down the temblor line
It was
buildings toppled
a hospital on the ground
freeway collapse
casualties
mangled mess disorder
asymmetrical landscape
chance
some on the ground; some still standing
Fifty years
rebuilding
reshaping
reimagining
remembering
Today
The neighbors fire up the chain saw
and I shudder.
I shouldn't judge.
Maybe they can't afford to do better.
Maybe there are future plans to
bandage wounds and salve the sore spots.
This tree's stood witness a long time.
She's endured.
Maybe I shouldn't mourn her
disfigurement
But I do.
February 9, 2021 D. Fetterly
