We abandon the place
after the flood. When
the alleyway became a river
detouring its natural course
meanders into two directions-
separate
until that gap
spans the vast expanse of the land.
Wider than the ocean,
for years now.
Long pauses between seasons.
Winter. Spring. Summer.
Fall. A silent rain
muttering through the night
whispers becoming promises,
dewdrops of tears in the dawn.
Time have weathered
this young couple’s portrait
left hanging in the wall.
Silhouette and shadows
in muted remembrance
among traces of dry mud
and moss,
mildews
eating up the torn
and brittle edges-
the vows to our union.
The floodwater left
its ugly stains
of pain. Unreconciled
between two people
lost in the randomness.
Of things. Searching
to belong in another’s embrace.
Which can’t be found
even if the storms
have finally subsided.
Solitude Amidst the Maddening Crowd
