Bio
Joan McNerney’s poetry is published worldwide in over thirty-five countries in numerous literary magazines. Four Best of the Net nominations have been awarded to her. Her books, The Muse in Miniature, Love Poems for Michael I & II, At Work and Light & Shadows are all available at amazon.com.
Trigger Warning
After police cars careened downtown
sirens screaming across streets
neighborhood schools locked down.
After press reporters, photographers
combed the vicinity canvassing
live witnesses and local authorities.
After helicopters lifted the injured from
wired baskets to trauma centers while
gleaming black body bags were carried out.
After the gunman was shot down
but no one could understand his rage
camouflaged by quiet politeness.
After everyone remarked how bright
blue morning had turned to a blood
red noon marked by thin yellow tape.
After blinking lights ashen faces
cries of distress faded into gray
there was nothing to do but return
to business as usual.