Outside, quicksilver
flashes of rain revolted
against the color
of gray days—
but the roses could not
release their invaders’
blankets of ashes—
Advance apologies
to those who will be killed—
Advance condolences
to families of the killed—
Survivors will keep battling
but that’s no consolation—
Advance apologies
to those who will die—
How paradoxical, this power
contained by this sly shade
chosen in surveys by only 1%
to be their favorite color—
.
Eileen R. Tabios
Picture Rupert Loydell
.