After the Fires

By Hollace Starr

Florence

If my tears were raindrops, I would cry them over you to extinguish the flames.

If my bones were wood and steel, I would rebuild your homes with them.

If my muscles were the strength to carry on, I would stretch them across oceans to you.

If my breast were a bed, I would offer it for you to take your rest against me.

If my thoughts were angels, I would send them to you by the millions to encourage you and remind you that you are a city of angels and that your thoughts make angels.

All I have for you is a heart, broken, cleaved at the sight of you. A supplicant before you, saying only

You are loved.

You are loved.

I am sorry I couldn't save you.

And you are loved.