“Homeless”

A poem for all who have lost so much to the fires.

"Homeless"

Don't give me lessons to learn
or tell me God had a plan
all I knew is gone
houses once echoing
with laughing friends
after school snacks
begrudging homework
streets endlessly biked and skateboarded
now silent paths in an eerie land

shut up and just be here
in the rubble with me
and my burnt-edged heart
full of tears unwept
bear witness to what is no more
hold me
as homeless memories wander
in my black hole of grief.

©2025 Wendy Lew Toda
Image (a home in Altadena): Michael Burton