Shasta Light

 Golden sphere rising

cresting for a moment, touching

the horizon like a warm blanket.

Mother with child in arms

glistening rays envelop, tender-chirps

from beyond, echoing.

White petals balance

dancing around the circle,

velvety, smooth as stone.

The lace curtains ruffle

in the breeze, the early morning

whispers of what is to come.

And they listen — they all listen

as the light is orchestrated

in a gentle melody

through the maze

of pirouetting daisies.

      ~~~

           Rainwater

Drizzling down the windowpane

small tears.  They have seen the sky

a history in the making…

falling

falling

falling

deep into the puddle on the ledge,

dripping overboard, twenty-two

stories to the harsh pavement.

Silence.  The people below cannot hear

the cries from the drops. Crushed

by shoes, by boots, by tires.

Wind whistles around corners, peek-a-boo

to the maddening crowd, as they brush

acid rain from their jackets.

                                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~