Then As Now

I gaze across the dampened street, shading my eyes from the harsh, orange glare of the lamplight that keeps me awake and aware; I watch the rain come down, hear its inexorable beat. Sometimes it soothes, invigorates. Other times, like now, it makes me reminisce; sending my thoughts into their reclusive abyss, from whence the past captivates. I remember, one night long ago, a boy grieved the loss of his faithful ally, the dog who was his standby in times of dread; and forever gone was her glow. Even back then I sat on this step amid the deluge, and in the dancing swirls on the ground I watched the image of her head come 'round, the shadow of her still with me seeking refuge. Now on this stormy, chaotic night, a man grieves the loss of his life, his purpose; the woman who meant all, who loved him only on the surface, and now she steals away her light. Yet still I remain here as the sky weeps, envisioning our first kiss, here, in a similar downpour. I watch again our first embrace, before the fire grows cold, before our love sleeps. Then as now my companion disappears, one to ease her pain, one of her own volition; through rain's trance I see each apparition, piercing me like spears. Then as now the tears fall without restraint and of their own accord, remembrance striking a painful chord that echoes long in this soul's broken hall.