After The Rain by Kimberly Pavlovich

once,
in late August,
you were in that part of the forest
where the trees are so close together
in spots
that their branches intertwine
and it started to rain
rushing through the leaves
colring your hair dark as ink
seeping into your shirt
your shoes two cold lakes
sinking into moss
and stumbling over roots and stones
water blurring your vision
laughing as you finally reached the cabin
but it had already stopped raining
standing on the steps, shivering
you took in the deep green surroundings
breathing in the clean, earthy scent of wet leaves,
pine, and soil
you felt alive
you remember now
you carry the woods in your bones.

Rendition

Awakened in a far off country

A country with stone floors, veined and worn,

Born again out of the blood dark sea

Nothing betrayed, signed off on, or sworn.

Enfogged in a far off country

Merged in a nightmare’s mechanism

Faith forgotten and senses airy,

Swimming silence to a steady thrum.

Imprisoned in a far off country

Waiting for the arch inquisitor

To come, the turn of the correct key,

The screech, the frantic screech of the door.

Caressed in a far off country

Each day explained; existence revives

To a calm voice, a singular plea.

Needs must, they say, when the devil drives.

--Dennis Daly