Elemental – Page 32

after images
through the rain streaked windowpanes
impending thunder
–
mountain stream
a whisper of
quiet nonsense

ripped from a deep sleep
waking up in tattered clothes
not sure where I am
–
full moon rising
my true form
no longer hidden

sinking in the marsh
twisted and leafless corpses
wither in the sun
–
restive fish
dipping into
the surface

dressed in homespun
with an old straw broom, barefoot
sweeping the dirt floor
–
breaking sun
moist soil on
the coffin’s lid

a fire in the hearth
the snap of the autumn air
echoes in the flames
–
dying coals
fire orchids
in full bloom

as night turns to day
the glow of the morning star
hidden by the dawn
–
last night’s coals
by my breath
flare to life

windows thrown open
sheer curtains gently wafting
in the evening breeze
–
becoming Icarus
flying westward
chasing the sun

alone in the woods
dry rustling leaves in the wind
the snap of a twig
–
sear grasses
fueling the
inevitable

clinging to the light
for fear I may yet answer
when the darkness calls
–
spring rains
surging cataracts
once docile streams

thin tendrils of smoke
weave the final tapestry
of a dying fire
–
rose petals
still warm from
the evening sun