For sleep we could not

clouds, overcast, cool:
i welcomed you
this morning.


a break
from the stifling
heat
last week.


heat:
last week,
you melted our ice cubes
before we hardly lifted our glasses.

we had such a hard time
accomplishing anything
with you around.

we could not bear to cook
(you were that much an interference!),
for we dared not
turn on the gas stove,
its fiery blue flames
too unbearable.

it was too hot
to lift pencils,
turn on the computer.

we could not even escape you
in sleep,
for sleep we could not--

you covered us like heavy blankets.


so, clouds, won't you stay a while?

but just in case,
i've brought three layers today
to work.

i (think i) know you, bay area;
i know you well enough to know
that i cannot predict
what you will bring us today.