Summer Rain

Early this morning when the sky
Darkened from azure to grey
We sensed the gathering imminence
Of rain, and built our rough cover over.

Last night, talking late on the phone, we noticed
The holes, renting larger and more gaping,
Rotting our foundations
And letting in the damp.

Was it Caesar who went to war
Stepped over the Rubicon.
Is it now we know
The river has changed its course,
The vital line is not so absolute.

In a clap of thunder the air is broken.
And, cold as the shower in the back room bath,
Against the darkening green,
Lines of tears run down.

Stepping over the line you have to find it first.
A Rubicon indeed.

VH 2009