A Home - Kristy Hellum

[Larry Robinson]

A Home

Where I live
the smoke will arrive
again, half million
heartbeats skip in unison
rising into a warm autumn wind 
we will keep watch
knowing well what we can
and cannot do to help
each other extinguish the flames
of fear

Where I live
the rivers will rise
again, cresting beyond empty
store fronts caving in with log jams
leftover debris from last
century’s clear cutting until we resettle nearby, without possessions
but grateful

Where I live
people will gather
again, making sacred circles
of hand selected stones
a funeral for the Grey Whales
like prayers, flower blossoms are scattered over the beautiful
swelling tides of grief

Where I live
beaches were outlawed
but not churches
so that we walked to the bluffs
standing silent in eucalyptus and pine once more feeling the grace and beauty of the only struggle there has
ever been; 

To know what is good and right
and choosing to live
in that place. 

	- Kristy Hellum