Arts for the 21st Century

October

the leafless trees

unburdened by sheer ferocity,

churning breath of the storm

gone now,

with only a solemn drip

trickle of water

waterfalls in places where yesterday they weren’t.

 

the grass

brown instead of green

will grow again,

tender blades cleaving the sun,

flowers

red hibiscus nodding in the breeze

bright purple and pink of the bougainvillea

their heads will be full.

 

but for now,

blossoms scattered like lives

and roofs

twisted into weapons

nails up and gleefully

waiting for unsuspecting feet.

 

it will take

a growing season,

pain,

before the hills

look like hills should

before the land takes on its green garments,

shakes its hems at the sea.

 

and then we will wait again.