Sadness – Page 46 – Iron Haiku

my better judgement
failing me once again for
momentary bliss
–
late summer-
the prayers
of the mantis

forced conversation-
a glance at his empty chair
then awkward silence
–
oddly quiet-
the azure sky
free of birds

age pierces my side-
gasping as my youth runs out
between my fingers
–
crying crows-
my chest heaving at
mile marker two

one final look back
collar turned up against the
horizontal rain
–
spring peepers-
the rain of snare drums
on the forest floor

reaching for you as
just beyond my memory
you slip from my grasp
–
withered leaves-
parched soil runs
between my fingers

freshly turned earth falls
from the back of my shovel
burying the light
–
overcast skies-
a tenuous flame
turns to smoke

the hum of the road
whispering it’s lullaby
rocking me to sleep
–
empty conch shells-
a rush of warm surf
overcomes me

staring at myself
the mirror reflecting my
wasted innocence
–
shoeless-
a ragged doll
on dusty road

a banging screen door
the ghosts of conversations
echo in the wind
–
merciless sun –
the empty ring
of wind chimes

every nerve exposed-
in the comfort of her mind
she shuts out the world
–
long afternoon shadows-
an old rocking horse
threadbare and faded