Out of the Rain

The rain splatters – – heavy against the drab pavement,

Ricocheting upward in liquid defiance.

A pathetic fallacy,

Of just another high school day.

Drenched and dejected,

The wind drives me home.

Hair tangled; cheeks red and sore.

My key turns and the door swings open,

Into silence.

Breathe.

—

I watch the toaster glow red

Like hot embers warming my spirit,

I relish in the comforting pop –

As two cylindrical

Treasures leap from their cocoon.

The soothing scrape of the knife,

Spreading salted butter – thick and melting.

It lingers –

Then sinks slowly into bed.

My first bite is always the most precious,

That tangible, cathartic crunch of peace.

And the last, a tender gift.

Offering the final crumbs of solace.

Before the noise of night,

And family feuds,

Begin again.

• Image Acknowledgement: Dallee Generated
• AI Free Acknowledgement: This is my own work and has not been generated in whole or in part by AI