4/15/2003

She
started to laugh
stopped
and flung herself
into his arms
self defense
protection against
a misunderstanding
in ascension
catching people
unaware
without respect
for age
race
color or gender
weakness
strength
or generous amounts
of legal tender
taking down everyone.
She
held him close
and sighed
not sure why
he might have
misunderstood
what had
tickled her mind
but
with epidemics
one cannot be
too careful
for
even laughter
can be
a victim of
collateral damage.