Chance – Page 30 – Iron Haiku

quietly cracking-
gentle waves frozen within
the river’s surface
–
irrigation pond-
young skaters
scarves and gloves

the walk to the car-
turning my jacket collar
up against the wind
–
aging-
cold breath
on my neck

freshly cut lilies
pure and white and beautiful
laid upon his chest
–
city streets-
a blanket
of fresh snow

in the evening sky-
the suggestion of darkness
from the crescent moon
–
new moon-
black before
the dark of night

putting down the phone
the harsh meaning of your words
doesn’t register
–
distant rain-
unexpected
lightning

my cupped hands hiding
the glow of a cigarette
behind the garage
–
cold rain-
ignoring my phone
before last call

the taste of winter
falling from the sky for miles
to melt on my tongue
–
platform two-
frost gathers
on my lashes

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