Downed

The longest
day of the year collapses

into darkness
hours too early. Another bout

of extreme
weather rumbles

through—tears trees
from their roots

like a cat
shedding for summer. Power

lost, flash
flooding drowns

the whimsy
of solstice

ceremonies. Dances
over the river

cannot stop it
from spilling over too far.

Fact Finding

A clogged bathroom sink
drain propels her
into a Monday morning
thunderstorm. Most organs can’t be

recycled. Is command
really an alternative
to control? A name attached
to a body is still

just a name. Who she is
when the afternoon sun evaporates
pavement puddles
is another truth.