raindrops splatter on the ground
shattering into thousands of fragments
splattering on the flooded ground and drenched umbrellas
desolate gray skies surrounding a dead city
peaceful in its misery
lights shine dimmer, shrouded in a blanket of water
a muted city of monochrome colors

shaded under an overpass
hot styrofoam cups cupped in shivering hands
noodles slurped up to the rhythm of the rain
wooden chopsticks and thirsty throats chasing cheap food
slight kick of spice mixed with warmth in bottomless stomachs
excited smiles and quiet jokes
protecting the sanctity of the diluted sounds of life
teenage foolishness leading to soaking wet jackets and rosy cheeks
cigarettes inhaled under the safety of the cement above

i sit at an open window,
dreaming of those days
nostalgia filling my veins and
nothing feels as bittersweet as the
smell of an open ramen cup and the taste of nicotine on my tongue
time stays still for the rain.