Desperate Rain

A fur trimmed hat

and a crushed red rose

on a Saturday sidewalk

eight stories below.

The village assembled 

with mournful cries

as the flames of hell

opened the sky.

No one spoke of locked doors

and stairways behind bars

until our daughters danced with clouds

and young brides joined the stars.

The chance of a future

with freedom to gain

washed away in the sadness 

of a desperate rain.

Inspired by historical accounts and dedicated to the memory 

of those lost in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire,  March 25, 1911.

Ken Owen

Van Niddy Press    September 2018