artwork copyright © Josephine Wall

The Dark Cleansing Rain

Linda Lee Ruzicka

The darkness in my soul is not cleansed
by the damp coldness of the rain,
nor is my mind freed from torment
of the twisted thoughts that haunt me

Hot tears mingle with the raindrops,
running together with the iciness
makes a passageway down my cheeks
drips off my chin, falls to the ground

The crow beside me, my constant companion,
wears the beads of water like jewels
on the ruffled ebony feathers
haughtily, as if his by birthright

The torrid raging waters call to me,
fathomless depths invite me into forgetfulness,
mixing with the dark cleansing rain
one liquid merges into the other

as I take a step forward, into the abyss