Sadness – Iron Haiku

absent mourning doves-
I wander aimless around
this cold empty house
–
twelve years gone-
still missing your
hair in the sink

draped in tulle and lace
far below the frozen sea-
immemorial
–
nestled in
the ocean deep-
lost to time

opalescent clouds-
shadows on the moonlit snow
cast by trees long dead
–
dying embers-
in the dark I become
the falling snow

weary of donning
this mask, this gown, these gloves, I
once more go to work
–
hospital corridors-
the white noise
of dying

brought forth from the ice-
my tarnished battle armor
deeply scarred from use
–
far from the cherry blossoms-
the clarion call
of battle

seventh floor walk up-
down in the street feral cats
howl in the moonlight
–
stuck to my sheets-
the only breeze
from a passing train

wreaths of dead flowers-
how can I blame you now for
my dirty dishes
–
the front door locked-
my footsteps echo
down the hall

engulfed in blue flames-
as my life turns to ashes
I step out reborn
–
down among the ashes-
the rain arrives
far too late

lost in the mirror-
years collecting on the floor
‘neath the barber’s chair
–
wading-
knee deep
in the past

a cold water flat-
the pilot light on the stove
sputters and goes out
–
new year’s eve-
the rent check
overdue