NINE

1,2,…8,9 glowing sunsets turn the horizon liquid gold.

Each one a manmade sun, a sight that God would behold.

Such is the awesome beauty in the death

of nine million people in as many seconds.

This is man’s power, so destructive in his ways

that he is almost like a God. But unlike God,

man can only destroy himself and his world.

CEILING ROSE

An alabaster ceiling rose is ever so delicate,

a round swirling pattern that is a joy to look at.

It used to be white but now it’s all yellow

with centuries of grime and age old smoke.

People stop and wonder what went on under

the hanging lights, what was said, who loved

who and who dared to dance close.

Today the huge dance hall is empty

and the ceiling rose and lights have nothing

but a sound of silence for company.