rainwater

rainwater picks me up
into days of Columbine memories
already whisked out the door
like a sick cat

sidewalk chalk paintings
run rivulets of charm on my driveway
celebrate the pastel of summer
a hop scotch reception at days end

reflectors on the dividing line
watch the night like demons
kiss the halogen light of late travelers
whispering warning before sleep

western walls of pink striations
billboard the close of another life
offer steps into Neverland
speak secrets to sinners

wires and poles and telephone webs
traverse stars and night cloud
carry questions toward lost lovers
relay busy signals instead of passion

grey ghost silhoettes lurk on drapes
murmur plots of empty movies
wave intermission attitudes
at stale beer and indigestion

darkness falls on words and confusions
forged from weak batteries and leftovers
the pillow softens mind and matters
until the wind and darkness remember me

____________________� Chuck Beals 1996