In gray light
Before dawn, boat
Horns announce day's
Narrow dullness.

And with gray
Above, around, even
Spewn down as
Slushy slop,

We splash half-
Blind through
Small, dusky,
Twisted dismal streets,

To wait coldly
For the ferry--
Gray-white metal
On colorless water.

Dampness penetrates
With chill;
Gray-blue fumes
Scent river mists.

And cramped over
A steely bar,
Looking downward
On the muted silver

Surface of the
Maas, I see oily
Rainbows flicker
Colors of spring.

02/26/2002

Posted on 02/26/2002
Copyright © 2024 Leonard M Hawkes