A devil cloud

Spiraling in dust

On the flat plain

Thoughts of suicide intrude

While spirit voices seek help

How much pain and evil must there be

Until suffering is gone

And the weeds of darkness

Are burned to oblivion

High, very high

The birds gathered in unison

On the tree tops

Singing in chorus

A conference of the birds

Knowing their solidarity

They hold their position

Until a signal prompts them

To fly all at once

To a place you do not know

When you were in despair

Driving distractedly and

Waiting for an exit sign

Two deers leapt from the roadside forest

And sprang with abandon across the highway

Dodging the oncoming cars

With balletic grace

You smiled for a moment

Thoughts like a hook

Piercing the tranquil mind

Fears like a baby crying

Looking for a parent’s kiss—

To everything detach

Even to what you call yourself

In your hands an ancient letter

Dead because never sent

To a love that never was

Reading the lines memory stirs

Before you rip it into pieces

And toss it away

In the silent hours

When you are alone with sleep

And dreams

You hear shouting in the darkened street

And see the car lights crossing

Your ceiling

You pray and fall back to sleep

Hoping for peaceful dreams