For A., Whose Breastbone is a Shelter

Mostly In Monsoon Weather
by Marne L. Kilates

Mostly in monsoon weather
I can't remember
If it was you or another

The air was thick
The hours were slow
So we went out of hiding

We scanned the sky
And only found smudged watercolor
Just another rumor of rain

I held your hand
But even love felt clammy
Under the weather

The canals choked
The sidewalks sulked
Simply no shelter from the rain

Was it you then
Held my hand
In the dusk, in the swelter

The clouds parted
The moon came out
Just another omen of rain

2003