A Moment's Reprieve

Without clouds to cover the sun's faults,
the heat will level layers of thought,
skin will redden, blister, then crack—
tongues become delirious, eyes lose sight.

Clouds, dark, heavy with rain, bring hope
of cooling, cleansing. They bring the touch
of people who know God's like that.

Death opens grief to emptiness,
the hot light of day beats it raw.