Veil of Mist Around the Sun

by John Curl

movement of light through the leaves
her glove in his hand
the pool surrounded by willows, lilacs, gladioli, irises
city burning for the fifty-fifth day
tourists replaced by terrorists
launching a major new offensive
the vast majority out all night in rain
impossible to confirm casualty figures
as air raid sirens sounded again at mid-morning
along with his two sons
on the ground is sketchy
she has the look of a madwoman
a starry night with cypresses
I wish you could fill your lungs with it