Last night it thundered
and rough rain came
over this dry city.
Those in charge
of the Zozobra event
had to set flames early—
now all woes are gone.

There were gloom boxes
everywhere to place
your written worries in.
They fuel the fire
of Old Man Gloom
who’s stuffed with shredded paper—
police reports, divorce papers,
paid-off mortgages.
And the people shout
“Burn him, Burn Him.”
And they did.