The rains have retreated
Leaving behind a shower
Of the silent dew at night
Through the window I see
The mist clinging to trees
And the street lights that coat
The road with a whitish hue
Looking like moonlight
The past is the unseen eye
Through which I see the present
The house across the street back
In my native city comes back
There I saw for the first.time
The framed photo of hell and
Felt a stab of fear as the faithful
Explained the wages of sin
I have seen since the earthly
Versions of inferno and wondered
How anyone can be punished twice
The night is passing quietly with no
Dogs to break its merciful silence
I do not want to retreat yet and miss
The dark goddess who recites new verses.