Ceremony

JOCELYN CASEY-WHITEMAN

This poem considers resilience in our current moment.

Sun through cobalt glass pours a river

on hardwood floor. Lines contain grit

the broom could not. Outside, the weather

rearranges wheat until the field

fills with roman numerals brushed in gold.

Inside, nerves begin to soothe after a shock

that made the blood beat hot.

Clouds spread charcoal blue.

I try to count the field before night takes hold.

I don’t know if life will ever be fair

but when it’s quiet and without threat

I feel roots reach through earth,

and in my chest, a rhythm I remember.

Despite the wind, I keep the candles lit.

Maybe the world isn’t ending.

Maybe it’s a mirror that takes courage to see.