It’s raining
when the police cars
and ambulance
park in front
of the old man’s apartment.
They leave their windshield wipers on
and hurry inside
with oxygen
and a defibrillator.
Twenty minutes later
they’re back outside
with blank faces
putting away equipment
talking on cell phones.
The rain has stopped
but their wipers still scrape
back and forth
on dry windows
like pendulums counting notes
in a last refrain.
When the clouds part
they all drive away
and the sun shines
on the old man’s home.
Tendrils of steam
from the wet pavement
hover above the parking lot,
then rise gently
up into the sky.
.
© 2013 Betty Hayes Albright
Fantastic imagery. Love this piece.
Keep Inspiring
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Thank you very much, JMC!
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Very poignant in its detail and understatement. My kind of poem!
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Steven, great to hear from you. And I’m honored this is “your kind of poem” – thank you!
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Your poem creates such a vivid scene…and a peaceful ending of what is to follow.
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Charlie, thank you very much!
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Leaves me hushed.
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Watched it from the window here. I don’t know for sure the final outcome, but.. I can guess.
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poignant and beautiful poem, Betty.
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Thank you, Francina – I always appreciate your comments!
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What was that about your poetry having gone downhill? Comparing this with “Strings” more subtlety, a lighter touch, but no lack of skill or quality.
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Ben, thank you for that – your comment gives me a little more confidence, and the ol’ writer’s block doesn’t feel quite as huge now.
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I enjoy you haiku, some of which are quite exquisite, but I love to find longer pieces too. Not unlike my relationship with what comes to me. 🙂
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Wonderful Betty, poignant and beautifully written.
Sending hugs and love
Xx
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Christine, thank you – that’s very much appreciated.
Wishing you a good weekend!
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I love the ending.
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Thank you, Willow! 🙂
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😉
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Wonderful ending, Betty, to a poem filled with vivid imagery…
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