Wet season arrives
with muddy hems and soft groans—
black umbrellas bloom.

© Nancy Botta, 2019

Tattered plastic bag
ribboned across barbed wire—
anger carves up skin.

© Nancy Botta, 2019

Salt stains on suede shoes,
sweater soaked by soggy snow—
winter’s welcome wanes.

© Nancy Botta, 2019

Shattered river ice
sews itself back together;
pale scars crisscross wrists.

© Nancy Botta, 2019

Drifting morning fog;
rivulets gather and wash
over broken trees.

© Nancy Botta, 2019

Pale winter sunset
drowning under soggy clouds—
fever soaks the bed.

© Nancy Botta, 2019

January sun
pries open red rheumy eyes
and wine soaked regret.

© Nancy Botta, 2019