Paul invented
a way to speak
to his pain
and how it felt
like California
burning.
He failed
to detect
the difference
between
piñon, aspen,
and juniper
ashes.
So it was
the wind
scattered
his pains
over miles
of charred
emotions.
Paul found
the granite
of his grief
towered over him.
El Capitan
insisted
he climb
without a rope.
He figured
why not wait
for a thunderstorm
to start
the ascent
out of the chaos,
since no one
will know then
if the droplets
are tears or rain.
copyright © 2020 Kenneth P. Gurney
Umflop 