musing in a room, choosing drawnback maroon curtain
the window opens onto an empty suburb street.
a flash! a burst! a spark! the monsoon is certain!
I stare at my pen for a heart, for a beat. 
I throw it down. no more sword! face uncloaked!
I run out onto the asphalt, plain clothes
within another breath I am soaked
from my youth-thick hair to my flip-flop toes.

I raise my face, naked palms to the rain
the rain raises me – 
raises me again.