Oklahoma Eulogy
by Jill Nichols in 1995
Marble dust
dawn to dusk
ache
in heart
of nation
epitaph
our brother
turned
to shambles
federal roots
where lowly grasses
gave winged flight
consumed
shock waves
unlocked
vibrations
that rocked
the nation
twist
and spin
heart
beats
silenced
vultures
circle over
ruins bramble
crow cries out
dipped wings
of wounded eagle
lions lair
was set
quick filled
mortar
mass and stone extolled
liberty bell
stood silenced
for those
that lost
life and limb
in the bomb
where no warning
whistle blew
pick-up
the
pieces
and
start
anew
subtle
graces
that fell
only a supple
nation
can quell
Oklahoma
will
it
ever
be
OK?