The Roses know
the way the rain falls

the library is shut
today once more

such odd opening hours
& the flustered moms

have nowhere to go
with their flock of kids

& the park is empty
surrounded by red brick

houses as if ambushed
& all the cats are asleep

it's always this way
in the rain before the 6pm rush

straight from the sofa or work
to the Chinese takeaway