6

The rain eases.

A black-capped

chickadee trills

joy, screams relief.

So brash! The leaves clap

and encourage her thrill.

5

(Photo by Taslima Akhter)

The sea of stone 

in which they swim 

cements the lovers' 

embrace. 

                One wave's 

weight breaks 

her back. 

                The death-

grip strain stains his 

cheek, a final tear 

of blood.