Impasse

sound of rain fills the gaps
between one blink and the next
waiting for the storm to pass
among shadows in their heads

thunder a crescendo of drumfire
lightning jags rupture the bloated sky
viewed through muddled branches
in the forest of unsteady ghosts

her quickening breath
smothered before expiration
frozen mid-step
until the turbulent sky gives way

sun shines through wispy clouds
a thin lip smile hides the scars
his arm leaden about her shoulder
they step between puddles