Nicole Johnson

The earth was parched from months of no water.
Animals accustomed to their rations as they fight one another.
The humans have become immune to their matted hair and timed showers that they can’t see the harm that they’re causing.
No one hangs around anymore.
The parks have emptied as the slides get dusty.
One small wrapper blows in a wind with no direction.
Just as hope became lost the sky changed and it began to rain. 
The desert filled with people and the birds sang.
One by one their faces turned toward the sky with mouths opened wide.
One single drop was exchanged.
The skies have parted and the sun peeped through, just long enough to steal you.
One by one the souls went through the transfer, filtering up toward the light.
The rays set in as the pain subsided.
We have lost many, but our hearts will never be emptied from memories.

Side note:
I’d like to dedicate this poem to my niece Christina Mitchell, who battled breast cancer. She lost her battle this morning. She is survived by her husband and beautiful little girl. This year has been especially hard for me as cancer weaved its way through it.
It is so important to get regular checkups, even if you “feel fine” that doesn’t always mean that you are.If you have something, getting it early can be a matter of life or death.