Blood

Gently pattering heartbeat of rain

I set my pace to the rhythm as I tumble downhill

to the coffee shop Sunday morning.

Acorns and chestnuts knock

against the sidewalk; I skirt the trees.

Pulse hammers, flutters.

I sit beneath the awning,

cradling the lavender mug

with the words “Hello Darling”

printed on the side. The dark coffee

spreads its bitter warmth

through my chest. The rain hisses.

Shh. Pull up the blankets my love,

let sleep muffle the drumming

behind your eyelids. While you dream,

I will hold your little hand,

a wet leaf, yellow.