The First Rain

She breathes steam

And vomits fiery blood red—

Her fever soars,

Magma bubbles inside her head.

The earth is her belly,

Ballooning out beneath—

Her mouth is a river of fire

Until she returns to sleep.

Rain pelts her face

Raising curtains of steam;

Her flesh sizzles and fizzes,

Denying relief.

Her blush red complexion

Burnt to black, she cools.

Sable lava, a floor of twists and curves,

Accumulates rain pools.

(This poem was published in the 12th Annual High School Poetry Anthology in 1995.)