Rain

brown rivers swollen-
remnants of our prior lives
piled up in the streets
–
autumn sun-
in my living room
the black waterline

in the driving rain-
train doors close as a blue suit
runs past my window
–
dripping leaves-
rippled shadows
in clear water

a raging torrent-
black water choked with debris
and bad memories
–
murky waters-
stirring up
the past

a beacon unlit
the lighthouse tender starts the
long journey upwards
–
your hot breath-
the birth of
a new flame

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

her face to the sky
sundress plastered to her skin
at one with the rain
–
sandals in hand-
bare feet in
the wet grass

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

a warm summer eve
mists gather in pools that drip
from the temple roof
–
temple stairs-
stone dragons
cloaked in moss

monsters in my head
clamor at the gates of hell
screaming to be let out
–
the hiss of rain-
slow scratching
under my bed

a rippling sky
cast in all directions by
a child’s rubber boots
–
parting clouds-
blue jays bathe
in tiny ponds