AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE
I walk gingerly upon the earth
where once my steps were firm.
I notice overpasses,
underpasses, skylights,
that once barely impinged
upon my consciousness.
I start at every sound,
my pounding heart
shifting me into a mode
of flight or fight.
I have always known
I lived in earthquake country,
but I knew it with my head,
not my heart.
