Autumn rain hits hard and cold
outside the Temple, after the long taxi ride;
empty inside, but warm & inviting
He forgot his umbrella,
his mom will be upset when
she finds out;
every man for himself
We can’t forget this night,
apples dipped in honey,
toasting another sweet year
as we wipe away the rain
hopefully, not to bring any more pain—
& the fevers
of sickness and loneliness
are not wanted now,
the trees are still covered in green,
full of wet leaves,
still sweet-looking.