The Wet Paper Dress (pressed to my chest)

I catch them as they fall
the little birds from her window
and they whisper rain-stained words
for me to look up, look up as more fall

the sky is filled with the paper cranes
rushing in a desperate flight
wishing through the air
on dreams and floating lanterns

and then I see her drifting
floating out the window
down to me at a speed I can't remember
and I brace to impact
but she lands safely, softly in my arms

and the raining, wishing sky looks orange to the east
where broken and blackened clouds part way
to a sunset passing a sunrise
and to that end I walk
and she cries to an exhausted sleep in my arms

and the suns are respite for my heavy heart