The World Collapsed

                 (for Teresa)

The world collapsed, and I was feeling fine,
Somebody said: "Hooray, the war is over!"
While I was looking into a stranger's eyes,
Riding a bus to work with a hangover.

Some folks made big profits from the war,
I saw them laughing, talking on cell phones,
While I was wondering what was this killing for,
Feeling somehow that I was all alone.

A little boy plays war games in the yard--
He, like his father, wants to be a man--
But I'm just imprisoned in my heart,
Not knowing why I'm here or who I am.

I dream of love but it is hard to find
Amidst these dreary homes and barren trees
And see the world impersonal and blind--
Devoid of beauty and humanity.

I watch the stars that glow in the night
And realize that pain comes with desire,
For love is there if we stir our minds
To reach beyond this world for something higher.


                                                     February 2, 2004
                                                  --Alexander Shaumyan