This time
when my coughing woke me
to dim silver light
I breathed in eucalyptus steam
drank hot tea, and
listened to news on Radio 4.
America has bombed Afghanistan
out of the righteous blue
and North Korea hurries to “test”
another missile
while dying children are told
Syria has no chemicals.
All the world is on edge.
My heart warns me
to embrace my small normality,
the forgotten gifts and
little pains.
Treasure them now
and knead memories for bread
to sustain during darkness
for surely
a storm approaches.
— Christine Rigden