Terence

16

"One by One"

The rain subsides
the clouds parting into
a blue morning sky

The sun rises
greeting the people
with its warm and heated
conviction

One by one
they turn away
unable to bear

the truth

They withdraw behind
their umbrellas
white petals
glowing in the sunlight

They flee the streets
their cars carefully stowed
in their hideouts
below the ground
huddled together
in grids and boxes

One by one
they draw back
into their houses
locking their doors
shutting the windows

of life

Night descends
the sun sets off
to warm another civilization
far across the sea

The people return
into the streets
out into the darkness

They close
their umbrellas
white petals
fading in the moonlight

One by one
they shamble out
the pale streetlights
shining on the faces

of death