The other side
The other side of violence is
something that doesn’t shoot, doesn’t crash,
doesn’t scream and shout
doesn’t rob blood or heart
The other side
is just a plain hand
reaching out
just someone
walking along a sidewalk
through a field
someone at the kitchen sink
washing lettuce
at the stove
stirring beans
at the table
cutting fruit, feeding
you and me
maybe sitting alone
or reaching out to touch
tucking another into bed
just living, trying
to make it through
friend
stranger
traveler—
I hope we meet there
Marilyn Annucci