After the Flood

Stray cats slipped under a waterlogged night
only to drift back bedraggled,
as if today still pulled at their tails

Old Charley Winslow died
before the deluge,
before the river threw itself
over the dike.
Laid out for burial
he was seen to float out of a lower window.

Lots are gone,
welcome mats and watering cans,
sheds and shingles,
plastic peddle carts,
potted plants, stretchy pants, and porta-potties.

Many never made it back,
though some may turn up tomorrow
to be salvaged and put away
for a rainy day.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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