I’m shedding tears for my city today but tomorrow a leaf
turns
as the acid of a bitter rain burns in the pit of my stomach
I look to my surroundings and can’t believe some storm
named Irene has done this
as if caught up in a Venus Flytrap, there’s nowhere to
turn or any place to go
for water flows in every inch of the map
into a stream of reflection
inspiration drips with an IV needle intention
could the muddy waters of a polluted river be
a cleansing?
I’m sensing a yes because these dirty waters are as
strong as bleach on some animated words that when
simply stated just need to be heard!
and the smell of those pools, stool softener couldn’t
come off softer
flushed became the seeds that cultivated a lifetime
the town of my lifeline siphoned out to cesspools of
life mares
cold stares of people
now cold
slide lids down to complete the task
as a flask only adds to the flame
that candle lit in honor of a memory
now shadowed in photo albums
the sum adds up to me
searching out over floating debris
for the light at the end of the tunnel
called “Brighter Tomorrow”
as the levels wait to recede
and my pen bleeds…