Fear – Page 18 – Iron Haiku

waiting for the bus
she seeks shelter from the rain
and years of abuse
–
a sudden squall-
the sky bruised
and blackened

on the village green
the shadows of injustice
hang from an oak tree
–
greasy smoke-
torches light
a darkened path

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

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

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

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

tending his garden-
rich black soil etched deep into
his leathery hands
–
honeybees
a thistle hides
among the roses

in the deep end
endlessly treading water
lest I slip under
–
sand hill cranes-
a bicycle rusts
amid the cattails

who will stand and speak
when there is such injustice
if not I then who?
–
angry seas-
ramshackle rafts
adrift and lifeless

plying the trade winds-
seeking safe harbor under
an ocean of sky
–
rolling seas-
sails reefed
before the storm