Among the Swirling Grains

her unshed tears

innumerable as grains of sand

evaporated, infinitesimally

drawn out by the sun

in sweat and melanin

 

the flood of her grief

dwarfing a hurricane

diminished, downpour lessening

swept away in the wind

scouring skin and soul

 

peace, the elusive magpie

twisting ethereal moondust

beyond grasping reach

drops in frog’s banjo’d twang

alights with a mourning coo