The fire. (Guillermo Manning)

Guillermo Manning. Originally from Mexico City. Currently studying at the undergraduate writing program at CCA.

Don’t look for a meaning

in the flames as you contemplate

the building burning.

 

The sound of the sirens

Should put you at ease:

the order of events never stop,

 

other problems will come;

hold the cross between your fingers

but no need to pray for the future.

 

The neighbors come out too

and the press is here to tell the world

an accident occurred.

 

Someone should ask them if

there isn’t anything else to report–

nothing extraordinary happened here.