the fallen

It is raining. I used to let my tongue out,

to catch the water now I’m afraid 

I might be allergic 

to snowflakes.

It is raining. Better, under rain-

than under fire, someone says to my left

tucking their cynicism under a hat brim.

Easily felled, so much like a lie,

so much like a man, so much like a life.

© Mollie Mardel