Denial

How perfectly a child comes to be
and how soon undone
by car crash, gunfire or needle,
all beauty gone.

A volcano builds slowly for decades
then, when explodes
leaves a sun
covered over in dust and the earth
with ash.
So, yes, we ask after causes,
monitor signs,
and identify potential disasters.

But, avoidance is also costly,
so disaster comes
and life after life is threatened,
nothing to be done;
and those most at risk are young children.
Where can children run
when parents themselves are infected?

It’s a dangerous road for all travelers
and death is common,
some of the victims the people
who offered care.

If not in homes, hospitals and schools,
where does carelessness stop,
at least denial?