The rain once released 
   earth's aroma
to remind us, the sugary past
   rises early gray
no morning left to speak of 
   this midday, no
laughter at sunset, without gold 
   gloam at first sight
of the moon, missed
   love in the wee hours
where tears were wept 
   when fasts are broken 
absent the heart at
   sunrise, a new day's life
old friend, I will see us
   the next time around

cc: CC 2022