Rain imprisons us
at a tram stop.
The cold nibbles our bones
and we draw shoulders up
pull collars round our ears,
huddle to keep warm.
Autumn winds swoosh about
lift and tussle our hair
battle us for umbrellas.
A grey-haired woman,
wet coat clinging to her frame,
wraps plump arms
round a young man’s waist,
pulls him closer.
She sucks his lips
lingers as if
siphoning life.
Rain thunders on our ears
beats on our expectations.
We turn our heads away,
pretend we haven’t seen
their tongues tango.
He clasps her hand
as they step into the easing rain
snaps open a battered umbrella
above her greying head.
Eyes dog them
until they turn a corner.
Scorn trails their laughter.
Their boldness seared in our heads.
© Althea Romeo-Mark 2007
Published in Jigsaw: Writers’ Works Bern
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