Sucking teeth

that last inhale

just before the rain clears

sucking teeth

to dry the leaves

and call the fireflies

out of the grasses

 

and after the earth exhales

there’s only the stillness

of wet pavement

and the vapid efforts

of bald tires,

extended like the Creation of Adam

with no solace from God or turf

no direction or pull of the moon

no outstretched hands

 

only the asphalt vapors

waving at the headlights,

watching the cars pass by

 

6-29-2019