Fire and ICE
By Jeanne Blum Lesinski
COVID KILLED US—WE’RE IN HELL
says the sign on the highway.
Seems Frost was right: cold as ICE,
murder twice, and throw away.
Humanity, decency
facing hate, what should we say?
“It’s not too late,” Love whispers.
“True kindness can win the day.”
Open our hearts, use our smarts,
call our reps ten times a day.
Escort children from their schools.
Faithful people come to pray.
Humanity, decency
facing hate, what do we say?
“It’s not too late,” Love answers.
“True kindness can win the day.”
Triple-whistling neighbors watch,
march with signs at the VA,
film ICE agents, give out food.
Behind scenes some donate pay.
Humanity, decency
facing hate, what must we say?
“It’s not too late!” Love declares,
“True kindness must win the day.”
Through the pols and in the courts,
dig out roots, reform the clay
to nourish us, all of US,
One Nation our song─hit replay!
Humanity, decency
facing hate, what must we say?
“It’s not too late!” Love repairs.
“True kindness will win the day.”
Jeanne Blum Lesinski is a Midwest poet and memoirist in the wild, unaffiliated with any institution or school of thought. Her works have appeared in journals and anthologies, including Quartet, Midwest Review, MUSE and Literary Mama. Her poetry collection Tethers End debuted from Shanti Arts in 2023. Find her at jeanneblumlesinskiwriter.com.