Tolerance

How they get started...

Continuous circling
engraving in ingredients of glass
built up
to be castles
one swift gesture
commences, left to piles
and moping toddlers
too beefed up in their swim shorts to recognize
too distracted and callow
The crowds, planting their flags
on the envy of others
Who watch and reconcile
While they’re matted by time
to lift up their heads
but just for a moment
to be witnesses
Of a fortress returning to the ground.

Kelly Curiel
March 1, 2008