Day 323

Today I am thinking of Abubaker
in Deir el Balah.
His beautiful smile, his love of sports.
I am thinking of the way he spoke, only weeks ago,
about the bombs falling on the houses around his
and how, when asked if he needed to get somewhere else,
he smiled, knowing there is nowhere to go.
I am thinking of Abubaker who has not
returned Nora’s text, I am thinking of Nora
waiting, checking her phone.  I am thinking
of my friend down the block whose young dog
almost died, and my friend from childhood
whose son has a mass on his chest.  I am thinking
of the beauty of the day, and Ciel speaking of joy,
and I’m thinking of Abubaker who loves
his yellow rose, praying to whatever I pray to
that he is alive….