Crumbling kingdoms
Wartorn rubble
Fear in the streets
Gray, decaying buildings
Stained with blood and graffiti
Amid vibrant murals of hope

Warm greetings from strangers
Friendly, smiling faces
Joyful singing
Careful optimism
Navigating the labyrinth
Caught between war and peace.

A poem by Jason S. Sullivan, 10-07-20