Because there’s a sparrow outside that appears to be dying.
 
Because I carry it with me, not the bird, but the emotion.

Because its feathers are wet, almost drenched.

Because not knowing what to do is my own purgatory.
 
Because nothing in the house is sugarcoated.

Because if you position yourself at the window you will see things
 
       you don’t want to see.

Because there is a forest of coyotes and we keep finding the bones of fawns.
 
Because sorrow has embroidered itself beneath my ribs and I can’t unstitch it.

Because even when I’m wrapped in a blanket, I’m not warm.

Because we all keep dying.

Because it’s really not a bird, but our country.

Because the rain won’t stop, the rain won’t stop, the rain won’t stop.
Kelli Russell Agodon is our Poet in Residence for July.