Wife’s Disaster Manual

When the forsaken city starts to burn,

after the men and children have fled,

stand still, silent as prey, and slowly turn

back. Behold the curse. Stay and mourn

the collapsing doorways, the unbroken bread

in the forsaken city starting to burn.

Don’t flinch. Don’t join in.

Resist the righteous scurry and instead

stand still, silent as prey. Slowly turn

your thoughts away from escape: the iron

gates unlatched, the responsibilities shed.

When the forsaken city starts to burn,

surrender to your calling, show concern

for those who remain. Come to a dead

standstill. Silent as prey, slowly turn

into something essential. Learn

the names of the fallen. Refuse to run ahead

when the forsaken city starts to burn.

Stand still and silent. Pray. Return.