Waiting

 waiting-

            for the dust to settle

            for the smoke to clear

for removal of twisted metal

for the daylight to appear

 

waiting-

            for word about her spouse

for the lights to come back on

to hear the status of her house

quietly for the break of dawn

 

waiting-

for the “all clear” sign

to go back up to the street

for her baby to stop crying

to find enough food to eat

 

waiting-

            for her future to be decided

for some sense of order

for open corridors to be provided

for safe transport to the border

 

waiting-

            in line for a seat on a bus

            for children to gather their things

            to hear what officials need to discuss

             to see whatever the future brings