Taking Home With Us

The stars shine high
     above the clouds
     above the bombs
        which scatter us like dust
        every which way
        looking to settle
        but driven by winds
          of war
          and fear.

We try to take home with us
     a teddy bear for security
        of which we have none
     a photograph of family
        many whom have died
     a blue china tea pot -
     keepsake from happier times
        now hard to remember
     a heart burning with hope
        for a future
        for safety
        for a place to build
           to plant and grow roots
           find neighbors and friends.

We dream of things we have lost
and hold tight to what we still have.