death rattle (&bang!)
the wind's howl
is violent, like
the fervent scratches
of hungry dogs
on the back porch,
bringing rain
that drips until it splashes
through a leaky roof
where it floods the carpet.
the water patterns itself
to look like a stain
from a crime scene cleaned
years ago,
but no buckets
are sought
because in a pool
of water
there exists
a reflection.