There had been a fire years ago
And the only company the house had was ghosts
I had gone in on a recovery mission
Hoping to find something among the ashes
There on a table, surrounded by debris and dust
A sketchbook of yours, pristine and untouched
Inside, I found a reflection
Myself, in sketches, memories, and photos
All the angles, all the colors, all the textures
Black and blonde and red hair
Dresses made of feathers and velvet and lace
Sunsets on the beach, parties in the kitchen
I saw my youth in all its vibrant glory
All my mistakes and rewards
I gazed at the proof of my former beauty and foolishness
Then searched for you so I could return it

The one who had served us, we had betrayed
Sent behind bars for a crime he did not commit
You knew you would need the opportunity
“His time in prison will give me time to pay them back”
We stood at the edge where land meets air meets ocean
The cliff near our mansion by the sea
Crystal balls stood sentinel on the edge
Small nests held groups of clear globes
I would hold the larger ones to my chest
Then throw them towards the water
Watching them as they rolled down the dirt
And came to rest on the sand dunes
You asked me if I regretted moving to be near you
I turned to you and replied, “No.”
“The water echoes my meditation
Each breath is a wave rushing in and through me.”

Black water

I had crossed the pool, grabbing smooth black rock
Propelling myself to the shore, gliding through water
Each time more difficult than the last
But still I fought the current and made my way
I return to strangers
Standing in the shallows
Taking pictures
Pushing for a better view
A man had his pistol
Aiming to take shot
His wife overcome with passion,
Presses herself to him
I look away for a brief moment
Sharing a moment with my mother
We stand apart from the crowd
Looking down on the scene
A small lake rises into the sky
With butterflies of every color sipping from the water
All these beautiful insects floating on the dark mirror
Gently fanning their wings back and forth
A floating oasis steadily drifting ever upward

Tsunami

We were sitting around our Victorian house. Metal benches in the shade, peaceful ease amongst family. Then we knew a storm was brewing. I went to the basement doors and saw that furniture was already floating within. We went to the town center alongside the edge of where land met water. We walked hurriedly along the walkway, grasping metal rails.

I look out the side and see a wave rising over us, eclipsing the sky. The water rushes over us, but we don’t falter. I see another wave rising and know that they will not stop coming. Over and over, we are drenched, and I see others on the deck being pulled out to sea. I see my brother and his wife standing near us. I take his hand and we have a shared moment of helpless humor regarding the situation as we crookedly smile at each other. I see the wave coming toward us, and I know we are about to die.