Fall – Page 32 – Iron Haiku

Azrael

wandering the earth
easing pain and suffering
collecting last breaths
–
a copse of trees-
bones
amid the litter

working down towards
the bottom of a bottle
searching for solace
–
after the rain-
a raven
hewn from coal

standing on the bridge
cold wind blowing through his coat
patiently waiting
–
a lover’s kiss-
the river opens
to greet the sea

staying up all night
just to fall asleep with you
and the breaking dawn
–
frogs in the trees-
rising woodsmoke
staining the sunset

it’s not who I am
this someone in the mirror
but who I became
–
a placid lake-
the moon’s watery
countenance

the long autumn sun
shining through the turning leaves
of October trees
–
frosted windows-
winter morning light
spreads across my 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

you are my center-
the sky above my head and
ground beneath my feet
–
autumn leaves-
take from me the
very air I breathe

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