Smoke

the heat of the forge-
showers of embers rise up
into a gunmetal sky
–
cold anvil-
hammers
ringing

going to bed late
dreading the dawn for who knows
what the day may bring
–
blowing snow-
the coarse growl
of a passing train

shadows of chimneys
painted on the rising smoke
by the setting sun-
–
curls of smoke-
your lipstick on
my cigarette

rooted to the ground
frozen, my mind replaying
one moment in time
–
blinding sun-
the city street
unnaturally quiet

a lovers embrace
two hot tempers intertwine
leaving just ashes
–
falling snow-
crackling in
our fireplace

seeking inner peace
yearning to quench the darkness
that burns in my soul
–
wildfires-
a cold late
autumn rain

warm spring afternoon
rolling down a grassy hill
into a mass grave
–
wispy clouds-
grass stains and
smiling faces

putting down the phone
the harsh meaning of your words
doesn’t register
–
distant rain-
unexpected
lightning

my cupped hands hiding
the glow of a cigarette
behind the garage
–
cold rain-
ignoring my phone
before last call

from across the room
I catch sight of your face and
my breath escapes me
–
waiting in a queue-
plumes of breath
and exhaust