Afternoon

the stones in my path
used to build a foundation
keeping me grounded
–
peace-
rain runs off
the temple roof

immaturity-
unsure of how to deal with
my first streaks of gray
–
afternoon light-
test swatches
on the wall

to ease your burden
I’ll stand by your side a while
and shoulder your load
–
distant clouds-
fences in need
of mending

an outdoor cafe
she watches the passersby
sipping her water
–
bare foot sun-
luminous in
a sheer skirt

from this day forward
two lives bound together by
simple bands of gold
–
rich brown earth-
massive oxen
yoked together

in a basement bar
the windows dirty with time
drinking my coffee
–
sheets of rain-
a community
of strangers

reeds and rushes-
a warm tide ebbs from the marsh
and runs to the sea
–
sea glass-
walking the beach
at low tide

as my eyesight fades
I think I finally see
my destination
–
a grey heron-
motionless in the
standing water

staring at the floor
scuffed and worn beneath my seat
from those in my shoes
–
dawn breaks-
outside the
waiting room

a quick glimpse into
the recesses of my soul
is all I can bear
–
sinister clouds-
reflections of
black water