last night i watched the lightning
and the lightning bugs flashing.
i stood out on the back porch
with the air all charged and electric
and stared down the storm
ravaging the next ridge over.
i could feel the static crackling
and connecting.
i chainsmoked two cheap cigarettes
and downed a half a cup
of half cold coffee
that was mostly sugar and cream

and i wiped my sweet mouth
on the back of my hand
and tried hard to recall
how stormy, summer, kisses taste
till the raindrops and the memories
nearly drowned me.