In California During the Gulf War by Denise Levertov
Among the blight-killed eucalypts, among trees and bushes rusted by Christmas frosts, the yards and hillsides exhausted by five years of drought,
certain airy white blossoms punctually reappeared, and dense clusters of pale pink, dark pink-- a delicate abundance. They seemed
like guests arriving joyfully on the accustomed festival day, unaware of the year's events, not perceiving the sackcloth others were wearing.
To some of us, the dejected landscape consorted well with our shame and bitterness. Skies ever-blue, daily sunshine, disgusted us like smile-buttons.
Yet the blossoms, clinging to thin branches more lightly than birds alert for flight, lifted the sunken heart
even against its will. But not as symbols of hope: they were flimsy as our resistance to the crimes committed
--again, again--in our name; and yes, they return, year after year, and yes, they briefly shone with serene joy over against the dark glare
of evil days. They are, and their presence is quietness ineffable--and the bombings are, were, no doubt will be; that quiet, that huge cacophany
simultaneous. No promise was being accorded, the blossoms were not doves, there was no rainbow. And when it was claimed the war had ended, it had not ended.