After the Storm
Lawrie Dignan

Afterwards

After the misery
And the remembrance of misery

After the pain
And the memory of pain

After the salt pool that points
Or seems to point
Toward the sea

After the white tinge of salt
         on shoes
After the salt of bone
         into the earth

What is there to say?
The sublime?

         I have looked on God's legions, and lived?
         I have looked on it all, and gone blind?

The ridiculous?

         I have cooked food for the soul from a mix?
         I have starved like a dog?
         It obeys.

The design in the carpet comes clear.
Now you see it, would you decide
Your life, that one thread,

Should pull free?

Susan Fromberg Schaeffer
Granite Lady