a page-turner
cover to cover so quick --
one life over

lost train of thought --
walking along the railroad
confused engineers

fallen from grace --
temptation of angels
inexorable

to her ear
heartbreaking words whispered --
a tear falls

downpour at midday --
street streaming with raincoats
and steaming hot pho

sign of life --
in a yard of broken things
a flashing LED

celebration --
a banquet in her honor
she watches her watch

grit and painkillers
keep the climber climbing
a mountain of pain

a crowd of people
go about daily routines --
familiar strangers