Renée Owen

Memento Mori

Something hits the plate glass with a loud thud inches from my face. Outside, under the boughs of a budding magnolia, a still body. Feathers no longer quivering atop the golden winged creature’s tiny crown. Through my window, the instrument of his death, I see the vast sky, blue and laced with contrails, a needed break from the world’s sorrows. In the news, images from across the sea: crumpled steel, bricks and mortar of homes, schools, hospitals toppled into dust. Women and children scrabble for food, medicine or water, as men roam the streets of war. Each day a prayer. Each day a mourning.

wildflower seeds
sprinkled in handfuls
if only for rain

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About the Author

Renée Owen’s award-winning books include This One Life (Backbone Press), Alone On A Wild Coast (Snapshot Press), and Scent of the Past. . . Imperfect (Two Autumns Press).

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