These Mornings of Rain

I know I have someone 

To watch over me 

On these misty mornings 

I listen, and hear 

The footsteps he once took 

Down the wooden stairs. 

I hear the voice of the man 

I once knew as my father 

Telling us the way 

Of the Samurai. 

Sakura blossoms falling 

Slowly dancing through the air 

Living a short life 

Just like he did. 

I howl at the moon 

As lightning strikes 

Listening to the sounds, 

I once knew well. 

About the Author

Rikki Rosenthal (She/They) is a Transfer Student from Brookdale Community College with an Associates Degree in Creative Writing. Their work has been featured in two previous publications, the 2018 edition of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society's Nota Bene: Literary Anthology, an honor only 30 people receive upon thousands of submissions. As well as Brookdale Community College's Literary Magazine: Collage 2019, where two of their poems are featured. Rikki is currently studying Environmental Journalism, works as a student blogger for Because Arcadia, and hopes to become even more involved in campus activities in the future. They are so honored to be featured in the 8th issue of Quiddity and look forward to submitting more work for the magazine in the future.