The mid-afternoon heat is stifling. I stand on my front porch and watch a sweating, tired-looking man lead a big black horse and an ox slowly down our quiet, dusty street. My eyes lose focus, and when I look again the three have merged. It is Gozu and Mezu, the Guardians, and they are striding toward me. Despite the heat an immense chill grips my being. “They are coming for me” rings in my bones. I shake my head and the vision passes. The trio reaches the corner and continues into the empty field and out of sight.

rice drying
on the mat
a stirring in the bamboo

Bio: Kevin Browne