Dry Spell

We bite the dust every morning,
spitting gray powder, like desperados.
Firebirds nosedive in forewarning, 
perverting the trees into hell’s tornadoes.

We taste sooted smog on our tacky tongues,
dragging all our shadows of remorse.
Finding no habitat for our wheezing lungs,
we long for the rain’s fecund watercourse. 

We find Death Valley spreading like a contagion,
and dodge parched patches, bruised and baked by sol. 
So delirious our meandering, we know not our region,
our infernal night camps reek of cinder and wood coal. 

We chant, not knowing the meaning of an arcane lyric,
unsure how to summon the recondite eidolon of Seth.
As city shells smolder, all chronic hearts await some mantic.
Surely hell will freeze over, so we wait with bated breath.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Smith Avatar
October 3, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Great example how a poem can ooze passion but still have a succinct message for readers. You also have a fresh and unique way of expressing yourself in written form. Strong opening that that had me wanting to see where this poem might lead me. Thanks for sharing.
Wells Avatar
October 4, 2026 at 6:27 PM
Thank you, David. It feels good to know people are still reading and valuing the poems I wrote five years ago. You also made my day by referring to my way of expressing myself as "fresh and unique." Now that my head is in the clouds, I want to do more writing. Lol ✍️✍️ Best regards, Thomas
Thirtyseven Avatar
September 16, 2021 at 12:24 AM
From floods to drought, in two poems you have covered so much. Great reads Thomas, enjoyed them very much.
Wells Avatar
September 17, 2021 at 1:57 AM
I never thought of the two poems as a pair. But I think it just might work! Thanks again, Scott!
Fenn Avatar
August 28, 2021 at 10:32 PM
This is exactly what we're going through in California. You did a great job describing what's happening here and in other parts of the world.
Wells Avatar
August 28, 2021 at 11:34 PM
Hey Jennifer, thanks! Wow, you are a fellow Californian enduring the surreal curse! Try to stay well.
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