I Must Write Poems - Sept. 21, 2026

too often our daily news

is gut-wrenching war and death,

divisive words and unending stories

of meanness and suffering

sadness or misery flavors

every day’s main course,

goodness receives a pinch of salt

I write to find silver linings

deeper observations that

reveal connection or compassion

why not focus on the idea

that humans are more alike

and go blurry on their differences

I use a pen to shut the eyes

so heartbeats can take a look

not just our own

but all the ones around us