Can't Stop

Even though

there is a hell-on-earth

war happening in Ukraine

with the deaths of countless

innocents, darkness

and destruction,

the threat of a record

fourth year of drought

scorching East Africa,

the far too many

politicians in this country

who continue their hideous

lies, putting their clutch

on power before the republic's

well-being, I can't stop

looking at the rose

unfurled on the black table

like a thousand crimson

umbrellas

this Sunday morning

as its shielding warmth

quietly bathes

the small green Buddha

who greets dawn's

emerging light

with such composure,

grace and peace,

such belonging,

each and every day....