::02:17:08::

::: Black Rain :::

I am caught
surprised by a downpour of
small, black birds.

They come to rest
Blotting the earth
dark, noisy puddles.

They hop stiff-legged beggars
toward where I sit
Bright, amber eyes with tar pellet hearts.

Peering at me wondering
what on earth could be my purpose
except to drop crumbs
for their gypsy troupe.

They bow and tilt their heads
In what looks like reverence
Then hope
worry
contempt

The disappointed “tsk-tsk” chorus of
flapping wings
peppers the air.

I am a meager god.
A failure at answering prayers
even the smallest.

Written by: ~ Jeffrey Hartgraves