After the Flood

 

The city’s dead undulate in rivers.

They sing of loss, haunt

the haunted city.

 

The newborn is crying.

She is a loaf of discomfort.

Her cold mother was not swift.

 

We, hapless humans,

prepared the best we could—

Bought cigarettes,

wandered through clouds.

 

Clare L. Martin

8.31.05

 

“After the Flood” first appeared in the anthology, Beyond Katrina, published in 2005.