the most used synonym for this
century, these days, & stripped
down to essential, to fragment
what was left & what left behind.
The scale this sky seems to hold
forth, makes of itself something
worthy reflection, when striking
& perfectly lit we have to turn
away, shield our eyes, keep focus
trained down. When cloudless
becomes punishing. When blue.
How morning can come after
those sirens. How after flooded &
torn away. How always after ruin.