submission by Marianne Reninger

[Marianne Reninger]

Virtual Destruction

I live in Mother Mountains that surround and protect me.

My most dangerous neighbor is the 400 lb. black bear that

visits to nibble at my blueberries or slide down my slopes.

My life and my daily work depict a sense of secure calm.

I don't fear tanks or fighter jets appearing over my hillside.

But I read, see reports; pictorials of angry, deceitful, vicious,

humans attacking other humans; destroying their only planet;

destroying their neighbors, in the name of mystical fanaticism.

I see children suffer, innocent animals abused; people tortured 

and banished to endless roads to seek escape.

I am an artist, a poet.  I imagine virtual destruction of my reverie.

I can literally feel the sense of sorrow and panic.

For only by the grace of my fortunate Now, have I escaped terror.

For I am, like all citizens of Mother Earth, replaceable, the other.

I am a Victim.

Marianne Larsen Reninger

[Richard Deodati]

Although not an actual victim of terrorism, Maryanne Reninger has identified with the many victims of the world who have been by placing herself vicariously into their tragic situation. Very well done by a poet on the outside looking in!