poetry

instability rules

instability rules

it may be their first move of several
she patiently explains –
the adjuster figures three months
of smoke remediation
but insurance will only approve
one month’s lodging at a time

so, by the time next month’s okayed
the Airbnb they’re in now
may be booked by someone else
and they’ll have to start all over
all over again

suddenly I see how these displaced children
won’t just be displaced once
families may be shuffled around
for months, or years
for those rebuilding

one thousand households
dwelling in uncertainty

instability rules

poetry

taking our leave

taking our leave

Moon Creek
you gave us shelter
safety
refuge
wonder
magic
beauty
stillness
respite

all we can give you
is thanks

Hohou, Neyei3eibeihii*
may your waters flow clear
without ceasing
for innumerable moons

*Thank you, Teacher in Arapaho/Hinónoʼeitíít)