Spat out by a volcano eons ago
banded by sand, bloomed
with plumeria, protea, palm
We flew there twice but no more
no more long-line airport
no more carry-on in the overhead bin
no more tray table in the upright
and locked position
We shelter in place now
dream of an island
a world away where family
used to live, orchids
and mangoes out back
We saw the volcano once
stood at the mouth of hell
watched earth’s burning blood
boil up, choking us with its
sulfurous breath
A land of lava, harsh and dark
yet borne by wind
seeds settle hopeful
in any crack
Against all odds life breaks
through the ashen crust
