Trees with apple-red tinge,
streaks of a freak,
her leaves are starving fish
swimming near the surface of the mulch 
below my park bench.
I am awe-struck at their suffering,
by the raindrops a cobweb hordes,
jewels placed on a delicate silver chain,
like inedible berries 
in the garden hedge,
like the laugh lines 
of the evening rain.

The sun pretends it will be faithful,
but slowly backs away.

Infidelity in a few stray rays
striking a green park slide,
slick Granny Smith
remains unlicked 
because this time of year,
everyone's too busy to pick.

Besides, it's covered with 
the talons of trees 
lost before the surrender.

And I forget myself
in the first autumn breeze,
which asks me mockingly,

"What is forgiveness 
if not letting go by degrees?"

©2023 | K.F. Hartless


Cover Artwork: Amber Elizabeth Lamoreaux

Mannequin Pussy “I Got Heaven”

17 responses to “Storm Surges”

  1. Thanks for sharing this idea. Anita

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you. I’m not sure what idea it may be, but this work of art was homespun.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Love this. It’s dark and other worldly. Also, I hate letting go, but love fall.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Nicole. I’m enjoying the first sips of fall. Cheers to the more to come.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. It was like 90° here a couple days last week. I read a meme today that was like fall came in, dropped her purse, and was like I heard you b****** have been looking for me. Because this week the weather has been very fall like. Unfortunately, the remnants of Ophelia can be felt in Western Pennsylvania because it’s been non-stop rain.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. “Infidelity in a few stray rays
    striking a green park slide,
    slick Granny Smith
    remains unlicked
    because this time of year,
    everyone’s too busy to pick.”

    Oh wow!!! The poem is excellent… this stanza is ansolutely outstanding! I am at a loss for words. Just wow.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Miriam. I needed this comment this rainy afternoon as I sit down to write. Your words have me all grins.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Glad I can make you smile. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Indeed

        Me too. 💜

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Bob Avatar

    Fantastic!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Bob. I appreciate it.💜

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Oh my goodness! I love this so much, K. What a great cornucopia of wisdom. 🧡

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Colleen. It was written is phases, which is different for me. I’m so glad you saw meaning in it. 💜

      Liked by 1 person

      1. It was a successful experiment, I would say. 💜

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Pkmundo Avatar
    Pkmundo

    💯

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you.

      Like

  7. Ohhh god my heart…. This one gave me chills and I had to instantly save it. Absolutely, heartbreakingly beautiful! This will be an instant favorite for years to come. I seriously don’t have the words to share how beautiful this poem is. Pure perfection! *ugh!* 🖤

    Liked by 1 person

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