Gutters

A little girl sits
on the edge of the sidewalk
the day after the rain,
trailing feet in gutter rivers.

Watching paper sailboats
getting sucked
down.

The worms crawl over her toes
and curl up
so afraid
in the palm of her hand.

Everything shiny and new,
smelling of clean dreams
and pinky-swear promises.

The sun rises,
leaving the sidewalk
hot and uncomfortable
under her feet.

A little girl sits
on the porch steps,
looking at the sky and
waiting for the rain.