Beyond the Toll
what be these raging fires
what be these violent protests
what be these flooding waters
what be these wild winds
what be this mounting loss
what be this pandemic of our times
what be these wrathful callings
are they answered by the dawning of a new day
are they tempered by the bloom of flowers
are they quieted by the songbird’s song
are they hushed by the laughter of a child
seek we that moment of solace
seek we the comfort of faith
seek we the knowing sacred and wise
seek we life beyond the imposed demise
so we reach onto another in grace
light within each hearts place
and as a new vision calls to soul
blessed we be beyond, beyond the toll
blessed we be beyond the toll.
Rose Marie Raccioppi
APOGEE Poet
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York
