Sadness – Page 49 – Iron Haiku

picking myself up
from all the times I’ve fallen
back in love with you
–
floating ice-
piling up
downstream

awake at first light
realizing far too late
I’m not who I thought
–
venus rising-
difficult memories
consigned to the fire

gilded double doors
open with empty promises
of false salvation
–
heavy leaden sky-
swollen riverbanks
poised to overflow

death comes unbidden-
a brief pause before leaving
to collect his due
–
icicles-
melting in
the winer sun

bitter grievances
at the holiday table
long past time for peace
–
unrelenting
a winter river
choked with ice

pulled taut and snapping
the pole holding fast the flag
standing at half mast
–
icy rain
her cheeks
freshly wet

a torn cap worn low
collar turned against the wind
shrouded in darkness
–
a squalid doorway-
scant shelter from
the bitter cold

contemplating life
and remembering the dead
this cold winter night
–
the cutting north wind-
heavily laden with
bitter freight

I’ve changed all my locks
somehow your keys still fit in
and still turn me on
–
cold winds blow
your call comes through
in the dead of night

stolen innocence-
inured to constant violence
and lost empathy
–
distant wildfires
a false sunset in
the eastern sky