we don’t belong here
there is much to fear
but the thought is fleeting
for there is much to do
such as renaming islands
or teaching children
a new language
forces around the world
gain momentum
destroying anything
in their path
—years later a second wave ensues
[the reconstruction phase]
villages slowly reappearing
vegetation taking root
from the ashes
august two thousand twenty-two
copyright j matthew waters
all rights reserved
jdubqca 