Fear – Page 9 – Iron Haiku

a great streak of fire
across the afternoon sky-
shattered panes of glass
–
the small hours-
lawn chairs and
shooting stars

cold tears of mourning
mix with the rain as I turn
my face to the sky
–
false dawn-
I’m sill here
without you

nothing left at home
save the old chair and sofa
that I brought with me
–
vacant memories-
cobwebs cling
to empty shelves

one flame extinguished
while another adds it’s light
to the firmament
–
eyes downcast-
black armbands
wet with rain

long evening shadows-
the sun half hidden behind
a stand of live oaks
–
sleepless-
my mind puts flesh
on the shadows

old invitations-
coffee’s brewed in the kitchen
if you’d ever show
–
rising steam-
cozy dreams
of coffee shops

knelt down before you-
my voice offered as a sign
of my devotion
–
scorched copper sky-
blood I’ve spilled
on your alter

the fifth of July
a time for reflection on
what we have become
–
saguaro cactus-
a small sneaker
in the sand

canons and mortars-
our patriotic fervor
lights up the night sky
–
fireworks
the dog hides
under my bed

my open window-
from the red barn a white owl
asks me one question
–
transfixed-
the field mouse stares
at his death