haikus & freeform, pt 17

quiet
like the stillness in the branches as the wind leaves the trees
like the owl before dawn settling back in it’s nest
like the lone man closing his eyes on the subway after a long day
like the young woman who can only find sanctuary in her small bedroom
like the wolf who’s left the pack to seek solace
like the two wolves wandering wistfully while wanting to return to earlier times
like the snake when its belly is digesting another creature
like the cigarette smoke that sends looping tendrils through the cold air
like the flame that flickers in the winter’s nocturne with each inhale and exhale
like the ash that drifts to the ground as the night draws on
like the rhythm of heartbeats and nothing else