At least when it rains, when it really rains,
(flood gates open, heavens naked, river washing)
impatience waits huddled up in hidden doorways.
Perfect strangers, frightened children, wait.
Safe from the water, (only water!) poisoned water?
And I can walk,
Hair stuck to face and arms,
Socks drowning in sunken boats,
Down the road.
I can run,
through the empty streets
and no one fights to share my catwalk.
Back straight.
Head high.
Shoulders square.
Arms swinging.
Lips grinning.
Alone.
Eyes poke out from under overhangs.
Dry lashes, safe suede coats.
Envy waiting.
Bemusement waiting.
Strangers waiting.
And I'm alive, cold and wet.
Chest heaving,
lungs aching,
mascara running,
tongue tasting angels' kisses.