Andy Sprouse | + Follow Poet |
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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.

Copyright © Andy Sprouse | Year Posted 2012

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