Animal – Page 29 – Iron Haiku

the sharp metal screech
of the trolley’s brakes snaps me
from my reverie
–
silver moonlight-
a screech owl perched
outside my window

embers burning low-
on the rim of my wine glass
crimson lipstick stains
–
lingering-
ruby lips and
a good bordeaux

southward flying geese
their long journey just begun
as mine is ending
–
warm boots-
my old dog’s
snowy muzzle

echoing silence-
bodies strewn haphazardly
on the downtown streets
–
an absence of birds-
villagers gather fish
in the receding sea

stone walls and dirt floors-
candle flames cling to their wicks
throwing dark shadows
–
straw bedding-
a tallow candle’s
uneasy light

waiting for the sun-
sitting on a weathered dock
fishing rod in hand
–
fly fishing-
casting shadows
on the water

in silent anguish
the mute reach out for justice
their voices stolen
–
discordant music-
in the apple tree
a starling

sensing acceptace
evil walks in the daylight
no longer afraid
–
sunlight-
insects scatter
from prying eyes

staring unfocused-
bloodshot sky barely noticed
through these bleary eyes
–
cottonmouth-
a morning dove
splits my skull

waning pewter clouds
part to reveal the dark moon
hidden in plain sight
–
silver threads-
weaving by
moonlight