Darkness

simple linen shrouds-
worn at a time when we are
all truly equal
–
graveside-
the hollow echo
of falling earth

alone with my sins-
I pray for atonement and
for the strength to change
–
overcast-
rain runs down
stained glass

blonde and auburn leaves
kissed by the first touch of fall
decorate my lawn
–
home from work-
she tosses her hair
on the bed

a horseshoe crab shell
empty in the shadow of
an upturned rowboat
–
moonlit surf-
the lifeguard tower
stands empty

you think things are bad
why not try rolling your eyes
at me one more time
–
crows take flight-
under the elm
a shallow grave

highway sedation-
numbed by the interplay of
streetlights and shadows
–
evening star-
a crow perched
atop a streetlight

the party over-
blackened wicks smolder in the
citronella pots
–
constellations-
old friends and
old stories

down by the river
releasing slights collected
after all these years
–
on my back-
the weight of countless
grains of sand

still she counts the ships-
her thick wool sweater stained red
with the setting sun
–
date night-
she sits at a table
set for one

heavy evening air-
silhouettes of hunting bats
in the fading light
–
drawn curtains-
low clouds
full of malice