Rainy Day

On a rainy day not so long ago, I pictured you , eyes closed,there. I knew you felt the weight of the rain beating upon you and all of your responsiblities assaulted your mind, resting peace from your soul.

I knew you slept and it was best for you, but I longed for your wakeful self; for that small piece of you that I can claim as my own. You have given it to me whether that was your intention or not, and I shall hold onto it and keep it for myself, no matter the weather.

I hope you will not mind, but I refuse to give it back even if the wind blows us apart. It is by this small token that I will recognize you when we both ride adrift, after the storms have ended.

Daddy's Hands

Hardened brown rough
lined, dry, cracked....
strong

lift bales
pull ropes
grip hammer
grasp pen

hold on
pat
quivering
child

as I
cry
into
his shoulder

they rescue me.

Smoldering

Beneath the cold, white-gray ash
one more piece of
burning oak lies
hidden

remnants of lines
of woodflesh
old pathways
for water persist
burning orange
hot
not seen until
the ashes are stirred,
mixed, turned

unveiling
a smoldering
nugget
burning unchecked.

Listen for me

listen to the birds
repeated sing song melodies
In harmony with the
Moving clouds
Keeping time
to the overpowering rhythm
Of my heart beating
deepening as it envelopes
my thoughts

hearing the tempo
of together
under a sky darkening, filling
with cleansing waters
steam rising
from asphalt as my feet
follow a path
to your door