Run for Cover

 

 

New York City, Sunday afternoon

and downtown girls run for cover

under bodega canopies

wiping mascara-scarred cheeks

with satin kerchiefs

 

But they are not in need of taxicabs

each one slowing, stopping

looking for a fare,

interested in beautiful things

huddled close to oranges and plantains

 

Instead,

there is delight

in teasing the rain

as hand crafted heels

become tall watery stems

 

There is joy

as each droplet

dances its own dance

from twisted drain pipe

onto a purse of crushed velvet and silk

 

There is pleasure

in comparing painted nails

against gray mist

caught in the swirl

of passers-by

 

There is joy!

copyright 1998, 2002, Frank Messina

Listen to Frank recite Run For Cover with David Amram on Piano

from Disorderly Conduct

From the CD: Biting the Tongue

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