Distance – Page 34

the sea in the wind
salt, sand, and tropical sun
tangled in her hair
–
amid the waves-
she watches ships
ply her waters

a bite in the air-
nighthawks begin flying south
along the shoreline
–
orange moon-
the year’s work
ready for harvest

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

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

an empty rowboat
tied down to a weathered dock
rocking in the swells
–
salt spray-
the old pier’s
bleached bones

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

reliving the past-
why am I drawn back to you
time and time again
–
poison ivy-
the inevitability
of regrowth

your name on my phone-
against my better judgment
I answer the call
–
labor day-
the first taste
of pumpkin spice

slow rhythmic rocking
as I’m drawn deep into you
my lover the sea
–
crying gulls-
lost in your
cold embrace

stone temple ruins-
echoes of ancient bronze bells
call the monks to prayer
–
summer sunlight-
wending through
the splintered roof