Low dust clouds bristled

Low dust clouds bristled

In the sky but I did not see;

A lone grackle whistled

A warning I did not perceive.

The world would neither stop turning

Nor quit its mockery.

I sat upon a rock, faltering -

Because of things that wouldn't be.

Only distraction can persuade -

Only sleep can steal

Such sadness that pervades

And hot tears that swell

But hotter yet came a wind

That brushed my fingers

As would one consoling

And dried my tears.