wet
with the dew
of a heavy rain—
the scent of ozone
lingering still
 
          *
 
a bird cries
somewhere in a nest—
her shattered child
 
          *
 
the gate has opened—
I walk through
looking for salvation
 
          *
 
these are the souls
who wander
the desolate streets—
I search their eyes
they do not see
 

We live in drought
   As summer sings to fall
My wandering clothes
   Have filled with filth through all
 
A sunny view
  Along the road I came
To pray for peace
   On a night of calming rain
 
The rooftop tiles
   Have washed with water’s lash
The rusted drains
   Have carried off the ash
 
Along the harbor east
   I walk as water flows
Perhaps somewhere
   There’s someone else who knows
 
My heart is clear

A cloud is born
   From river’s edge
      As rain begins to fly
 
The sun leaks out
   From building gaps
      As clouds and clear-sky mix
 
I seek a bridge
   A makeshift roof
      To hide and keep me dry
 
But then I see
   A mother mad—
      Her boy runs by and kicks
 
 
Frank Watson © 2016