What if?

what if life couldn’t be the same
after an earthquake in haiti
and not just for the haitians
but also you and me
what if business as usual stops
what if we pause our day
what if the urge to just go on
becomes an urge to pray
what if it’s closer to your home
what if you can’t avert your eyes
what if the soundtrack of your dreams
becomes their mournful cries
what if your comforts crumble in
and your illusion of the good life
is revealed to be a bubble
floating in a needled sky
what if the props are all knocked out
and your own existence is
suddenly, unalterably, forever changed
in a moment just like this
what if the groaning, moaning earth
is crying for the sons
and daughters of the most high
to make their way back home
what if a day is coming soon
that no one will escape
despite their wealth or fame or health
or pitiful power plays
what if you sit back now
and continue with your day
without a thought or moment’s pause
to listen and obey