What the Storm Splayed and Spared

Dust taints scent of rain the wind wrenches gate ajar lightning splits the clouds— grime streaks down marble headstones, as silver names bleed deep red bouquets torn and flung petals smashed into the mud plastic stems snapped clean weeds kneel and crawl up to stones claiming what storm has laid bare the squalls scour angels driving grit deep into wings puddles drown vases pebbles scatter like lost teeth pathways get buried in hail beneath all this rage the dreamless ones stay silent beyond the storm's grasp— no pleas get through weighted soil moored tight in unyielding peace storms don't bow to the names in stone don't hear the prayers carved to atone. the dead can't rise, the dead can't plead— the wind takes all, it's wild and unforgiving the wind takes all, it's wild and unforgiving