symptoms of the season

maples wrapped around porches

draping their fingers into a warm canopy

trickling their sweet relief into sepia and scarlet

 

the sun’s on leave, though only for a while,

and the rain stopped bringing comfort

all that’s left are thoughts & misery

 

dawn’s melody can’t move me

since it’s already sunk into my bones

and caressed me past the point of redemption

 

it seems that everyone can relate

as if we’re all in the same reality

exist, they cry, clutching their heads

but how, when we can’t even live?

 

The melatonin has lost its tolerance

and so have I

 

Veronica Aldama is a poet from California who has been recognized by various institutions and magazines. Her work focuses on themes of nature, culture, and youth. When she’s not writing, you can find her gardening, sculpting, or discussing European history.