by Alison

.

.

.

Philly then New York,

Arizona, Alaska

and Argentina.

.

Now it’s New Hampshire

and my home is everywhere

and nowhere at once.

.

This bright green landscape

blurry with the pounding rain -

“I’m Coming Home” plays.

.

I miss everyone,

I miss everywhere even

the place I’m standing.

.

My neighbor’s red roof

these puffs of Hydrangea -

Oh, how familiar!

by Kelly

politics heat up

in St. Paul* — humidity

climbs and storms approach

* The Minnesota state government shut down at midnight, and with it, state parks, camp grounds, highway rest stops, zoos, horse racing tracks, carnival ride inspections, restaurant inspections and a long list of other state-funded agencies just in time for the 4th of July holiday. The legislators and the governor cannot agree on a budget. There is little hope that either side is willing to compromise. Nobody knows how long this will go on.  Thousands of state employees have been laid off. Their last day of work was yesterday.

by Alison

blood flows to my cheeks

as I head off to my new job -

fresh summer rain

by Kelly

phone tag frustration

reaches high — heavy with rain

peonies hang low

“It’s raining spring!”

Penelope declares,

blossoms flurrying

by Alison

still the rain -

red blossoms cover

closed windows

by Kelly

he’s sick and snoring

his infected breath on me —

cold taurus drizzle

by Kelly

I wake with a start.

He’s gone. How did I sleep through

his leaving? First rain.

by Alison

.

..

..

Outside the wind whirls.

Inside my daughter asleep

in her toddler bed.

.

When will the world be

good enough for our children?

The night crashes rain.

The morning is calm.

A young Oak still holds it’s leaves

strong against winter.

by Kelly

cold rain slicks the streets

uncle spins family tales of

land, oil, fraud, murder