Overcast Poem by Barry Middleton

the shadows disappeared all day
the world flattened like a photograph
and people seemed to move more slowly
as if the cloud's depression followed them

the air was warm but seemed unfriendly
an old man was lost in foggy thought
and did not tip his battered gray hat
the cat sat on his mat where he always sat

even the flowers turned to gray despair
the weight of hopelessness bore down
some gave way to thoughts of old betrayal
regret is easily found on dreary days

there was something in that ashen overcast
a mystery to hide the sun and solemn truth
until a muted sound like distant playful wind
whispered with the din of children laughing