March 12

Softly we sang all the songs
we knew about rain

hymns to the early evening
set in a spacious house

not mine

The cat wanted in
the cat wanted

out the open door
let in a chill

that felt
like a reprieve

Such watery views
a wash of panes

the mountains
pouring in

to lakes or
lakes cresting up

in to peaks

Again what
is waiting just

beyond is kindness–
a hard edge

melts
in a crucible

What’s left
is love

again always
limitless

as the rain

And softness
is strength

it gives
by taking

and taking
and taking

OPTIONAL POETRY