History suggests

History suggests
the 1914 Christmas period along the Western Front

was dotted with ceasefires

—in some cases, outright accord across no-man’s land;

on one occasion a game of soccer.

Is this not reflected in our common lives

in our brushes

with common gentleness?

For where does the front not exist?

For some,

the battlelines are drawn against a loneliness,

for some against addictions,

abuse,

memories of abuse

or just their jobs

or the chronic pains in their backs.

Where is it the trenches are filled in?

For I’m still fighting my father’s war,

still signing up for battle,

still raging at shadows

as the sun sets on the battlefield

and the tears flow

in the darkness.

The front line is ubiquitous.

But

so are those moments

when we leave the trenches

and share in friendships

and pleases

and thank-yous

and ask about each other’s days.

—Those moments

of stilled humanity

and empty trenches far behind our backs.

We often despair of human moments

as all too rare

but where does the front line not manifest?

Might it be truer to be proud

that these human moments

even exist at all?

The biggest Saint Petersburg Cathedrals

The biggest Saint Petersburg Cathedrals
are grand
but not beautiful.

A few doors down from one I find an all-night café.
Concealed at basement level,
it seems ashamed to be there
but for the smile of the waitress.

This café
is why I’m pleased I made Saint Petersburg.
This café
—humbled and shy—
is really nothing short of pathetic,
but much like you and I
that’s kind of what makes it beautiful.