In times of emergency

It’s our duty to be attentive :
           the same consciousness
that sets us apart
           brings us together
not just in times
           of collective emergency
but as we admire a fair rose
           or gaze into a pair of pale
green or blue or hazel eyes
           and whisper words of love

And in the summer lie
           beneath the mighty oak
and know that its leaves
           will one day fall and yet
not give a damn
           because love is all
and while away the hours
           wondering wistfully
where the universe would be
           without us

John Lyons