Afternoon – Page 31

in the driving rain-
train doors close as a blue suit
runs past my window
–
dripping leaves-
rippled shadows
in clear water

a raging torrent-
black water choked with debris
and bad memories
–
murky waters-
stirring up
the past

before the mirror
staring into the unknown-
who the hell am I
–
sunday afternoon-
looking for a family
I swab my cheek

waiting for the bus
she seeks shelter from the rain
and years of abuse
–
a sudden squall-
the sky bruised
and blackened

on the village green
the shadows of injustice
hang from an oak tree
–
greasy smoke-
torches light
a darkened path

alone with my sins-
I pray for atonement and
for the strength to change
–
overcast-
rain runs down
stained glass

blonde and auburn leaves
kissed by the first touch of fall
decorate my lawn
–
home from work-
she tosses her hair
on the bed

at work dreaming of
a caribbean romance
before summer ends
–
a dockside bar
rum runners and
buffet tunes

a horseshoe crab shell
empty in the shadow of
an upturned rowboat
–
moonlit surf-
the lifeguard tower
stands empty

you think things are bad
why not try rolling your eyes
at me one more time
–
crows take flight-
under the elm
a shallow grave