Cold

hushed elevator-
the open doors close once more
leaving us alone
–
frosted glass-
winter air
seeps in

a pair of sneakers
found by the side of the road
after the cleanup
–
waiting crows-
a possum’s
sacrifice

a toad on his throne
surrounded by those mirrors
that show him a prince
–
rain streaked windows-
the world outside
distorted

hug your children tight
for tonight there are parents
who won’t get that chance
–
barren trees-
young branches
devoid of leaves

asleep on a bench
the hard rap of a nightstick
startles him awake
–
dark rain-
wet newspaper
her only refuge

the sliding doors shut
as the train pulls away I’m
still on the platform
–
changing winds-
the last robin
takes wing

surrounded by wealth
still dissatisfied with the
overabundance
–
winter rain-
runnels
overflowing

the heat of the forge-
showers of embers rise up
into a gunmetal sky
–
cold anvil-
hammers
ringing

going to bed late
dreading the dawn for who knows
what the day may bring
–
blowing snow-
the coarse growl
of a passing train

walking on eggshells
at the door I stop and turn-
you’re watching me leave
–
predawn-
hard and cold
the bedroom floor