“When the world is so fraught and full of fire--
hearts and minds and countries
burning up
burning down--
going in may be
the escape urge--
as if it's no longer there--
but it's all still there
all the time--
reading news or not--
outside looking at seasonal lights
store window displays
children's cherry-cheeked faces
or not--
even when heads are buried in pillows.

Take a break to breathe. The frenzy and furor continue.
Take a break to weep. The exquisite beauty is still there.

All continues on
and will be there upon return.”