Rain drums
in syncopation
on alley walls
that cling
to their centuries
of grime
A patina
of voices
caught
between lines
applause
a limp
a patter of five
a stolen kiss
a fist meets flesh
a no nevermind
cutlery clatter
a screaming child
pigeons coo
motorcycle whines
a dip of ice cream
splats on stone shrine
sewer grates
lie quiet
beneath the rain
waiting
waiting
ever
the
same
photo: dome of Cathédrale Sainte-Reparate (1650) at dusk
from the balcony on rue du Pont Vieux, Nice
