Sonnet VIII

there is a bitterness
stark rancid air
this dark short day
turn the lights on
relieve with a trick
sleight of hand
temporary ceasefire
a pleasant smile

feet planted in the soil
and the rain will come
first a sad droplet
then pouring down
fills your pockets
floods your shoes

Sonnet VII

temperatures rise but rain falls
startled tumult on the window pane
regular rhythm and even rhyme
life lived beneath the floodlights
an essence overcomes the shadows
a breeze blows from the sidelines
and so it goes lap by lap
sweat washed from the heated brow
steady speed barely takes the strain
keep counting down hold the focus
there is only this moment
savour each breath gasp of pain
the stars are out tonight
hot breath lifts towards them