Reflecting on the condo collapse in South Florida

When a high rise of condos
collapses and crumbles
without provocation
and without warning,
we are left without hope.

Against the backdrop
of a beautiful blue ocean,
we watch a replay of a building’s last gasp.
It rekindles emotions
we haven’t felt for twenty years.

Suddenly, we are at Ground Zero again
witnessing the horror of twin towers
disappearing into a cloud of dust and despair.

Yet another makeshift memorial for the missing.
Photographs and flowers.
Mourners and pray-ers.
Grief-stricken survivors
who aren’t sure they want to survive.

And in the rubble
reminders of the fragility of life
and the evitability of unexpected tragedy.

Lord, have mercy!