Page 11 - Contrast1979Decemberv23n1

The Accident

before tomorrow
tore into warm midmorning
unsought, unwelcome,
they trusted your earth,
drank wi thout price or thought
so ft essential b rea th ,
Ie t bare skin b rush her,
trusted ...

doubt conceived this dawn
bruising infant daffodil joy;
cradled in damp suspicion
they carry midday unea$ily,
wa tch stone s team and
cherish still-cleanness

We recommend tha t pregnan t
women and preschool children
within a five mile radius
leave the area until further notice

evening sleeps lightly while
dark-stalking pestilence broods
and fear seeps through closed windows

--Ma ry Ellen Be Ian ca