The bench and the lantern

high above the pueblo we walk
awaiting the late night rain

scrub oak and cactus sprawl
three musicians appear

on a bench on a tiny plaza
we dance, we part, we hear

a door closing a market stall
while far far below

in the halo mist of the pueblo
a figure stops to light

a lantern that flashes red and gold
and brings us back to touch

one more time
as the first
drops fall

(alternate title: As the first drops fall)

Any votes for original (“The bench and the lanterns”) vs. alternate (“As the first drops fall”) title?

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