Afternoon – Page 55

my ghosted reflection-
grey faces in the windows
of the passing train
–
stunning vistas-
guardrails floating
above the road

bright may afternoons-
the vibrant splash of dogwoods
warm suburban yards
–
cirrus clouds-
among the flowers
surreptitious bees

time draws to a close-
I hold his hand, helping him
walk across this bridge
–
a pale horse-
the onus
of these souls

the new morning star
betrothed to the coming dawn
dancing with the moon
–
warm spring sun-
a beaming bride
under a shower of rice

standing on the bridge
cold wind blowing through his coat
patiently waiting
–
a lover’s kiss-
the river opens
to greet the sea

along the roadside-
once a stately facade, now
a pile of old stones
–
gentle rain-
crows perch upon
a weathered grave

at the water’s edge
cattails and reeds bend leeward
softening the shore
–
the great salt marsh-
a blue heron wading
intently focused

in the aftermath-
flowers left by the roadside
fading in the sun
–
stippled sunlight-
mushrooms growing
on fallen trees

cloudy desert skies
bringing the promise of rain
and with it new life
–
parted clouds-
fresh cut tulips
on the table

seeking atonement-
clad in fresh linens, walking
down to the water
–
dusty winds-
a lake of bricks
cracking in the sun