THE FLOOD

the flood
the people are hustling about
their sandals go CLOP
and SLAP against the brick sidewalks
they speak in various languages
and carry shopping bags
from designer stores
and all are acting
as though it is about to rain.
but when I look up at the sky
and when I sniff at the air
I can’t decide
whether it is really, actually the rain
that is coming
or if maybe
it’s not just the end of the world