City of Light, and Hope, and Love, and Strength

a while it’s been
since roaming her streets
bathed in her splendor
her remarkable luminosity
my eyes overwhelmed
at each corner, avenue, doorway
again, again I say
I will visit again

then this violence… again

my heart aches
as her soul bleeds
my thoughts flee to her
as my own soul
wishes her well
as my feet
will find her cobbles
will see her people smiling
again

Photo and Poem (c) 2015 by DC Lessoway