The Absence

Do we know anyone by their Past? Can we guard a child From whats to come? Planets have names. Oceans reach their shores, Reach again, are reaching as I speak. Rain tests house walls, Soaks through shingles. Wind From under parted window sash Rustles damp flags of wallpaper. Whole rooms full of life fall away. Neighborhoods disappear. The only sounds one hears Are the whispered voices of strangers Slipping in and passing through. The grown man is his past. Each child is his own guardian. Otherwise theres no one to own up No one to make a claim. Rain lashes in source-less wind. No moon. Water over stone. Without you, from this sunset on, My city sheds its light To an empty sky.