Unexpected Rain in a Colorado Winter

Cold January rain
makes my heart throb, and
swell in my chest
taking up too much space.

Overflowing with memory on memory
and the sound
the smell

the shining black pavement
under the glare of the streetlights
flash back, years

walking home barefoot from prom
sobbing, alone
drying clothes in someone else's laundry room.

Summer, she kisses sweet, sugary
dim lights and desperate
prayer -

even before that
soft drops fall
echoing "gently, gently."