when it rains
it rains
for days
on end
seems like
it’ll never
let up
then
suddenly
without warning
clouds part
stars appear
and the wind
slows to a whisper
everything
is as it was
as it should be
and tomorrow
the sun will shine
(D. James)
Misty rain
falling all day
and through
the long night
odd streaks
splash the window
a dark
stark beauty
not so
when you’re
out in it
(D. James)
The rain falls
like anger
fierce thunder
barks
the air
thick and wet
Black streets
reflect lamplight
hard sound
of water falling
from a long way up
Tortured soul
of weather
wrestling
with the city
tonight
as if the sky
hurt and afraid
needs to be heard
wants its wrath
to be known
exerting some
momentary sense of control
only to lose
against the granite
and steel
blacktop and brick
The hard city
that falters in flood
but never ever
gives in
never loses
the war
(D. James)
Tonight
a violent wind
blows the city
to dust
Trees bend
people squint
as if in bright
sunlight
A haze
envelops the streets
women wrestle their skirts
hair tossed
every which way
A violent wind
shreds the city
tonight
Palm fronds litter
Sunset Boulevard
the homeless huddle
like refugees
in the entryway
of a long abandoned
nightclub
The weather
is the one thing
this town cannot control
(D. James)
Los Angeles is pointless
under clouds
and cool temperatures
The palm trees
and imported cars
need the glint
to show their worth
It’s harder to defend
this almost-city
when the weather
plays the hostile witness
(D. James)
