Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Judges 6: In Writing

The sun beats merciless

on all heads.

Buses splash

all passersby

when the gutters flood.


Sometimes I wish for a circle of shade

within the blinding sun.

Sometimes I wish for a finger of sun

to  massage my neck.


To squeeze  my shirt

and find cool water in the desert heat,

or wrap myself in a coat that stays dry

in all a world of wet.


Do not head the wayfarers' prayers,

the high priest declares.

But some days, some moments

I so wish You would.


All day long, humming menace.

Distant drilling, or is it a drone?

The walls shudder.


I wait for night. Try

to breathe. Suck on chocolate

I bought just for me. 

 

Till my daughter wakes crying

she's scared. Why

are you scared? I ask.


As though the earth's

maw isn't full of fangs.

Dont be angry, she says.


Just scared,  she says. 

Stay next to me,

I rub her back.

Whisper I'm here. 


Like I can create that cacoon. 

That one safe cave

in the murmuring dark.