IN THE RAIN, I SPEAK TO YOU

As the gale shakes the open field

our city seems a wilderness.

It’s then we’re roused to risk,

to violence. Tonight

shall we ascend to heaven?

The sky cloaks in black clouds

and the dead walk among us,

repeating like infants their secret words.

How can you guess life’s fragility,

its enfolding glory?

This windborne downpour rinses all.

The farther away, the more I breathe

your existence. Since I lost my hat

my hair has flattened on my thoughts.

Through the rain, I speak to you, saying

how I cross alone a city’s open field,

seeing cars and lights.

Tonight shall we ascend to heaven?

I see you reach in darkness

for the light switch. When the storm dies

you’re rain in my heart still falling.