“Resilience #1” © Bonnie Matthews Brock

Come Spring

Vague uncertainties
Friday March 13
the schools closed
then the parks
and the libraries

Each day afterwards
new protocols
restrictions and orders
lies and misinformation
no gatherings
stay indoors
businesses and restaurants shuttered.
Millions out of work.

Then the deaths
inside
away
alone

So fast
so many
the bodybags were stacked
in storage
until they could be buried

Yet come Spring,
blue periwinkle
amidst the grasses near the fence
droopy Snowdrops and fragrant hyacinths
emerge
through cracked earth
white Dutchman’s breeches
yellow anthered Bloodroot
colonies of wild geraniums
five rounded purplish petals
crocuses
tulips
and I’m so glad
glad glad gladiolus.

James Madigan is a father of three daughters, librarian, adjunct professor in the Humanities, and writer. He lives in Oak Park, Illinois.

Bonnie Matthews Brock is a Florida-based photographer, as well as a school psychologist. Her images have been published in Ibbetson Street Press, The Somerville Times, and Oddball Magazine.