I smile and wave in slipping sand.
We share a joke. You shake my hand.
I see your foot as I sink down.
You run along. You’ve things in town.
I smile and wave in slipping sand.
We share a joke. You shake my hand.
I see your foot as I sink down.
You run along. You’ve things in town.
Had I but had
a picture of that
I’d trace the path
that runs from shore
to the steps
to the porch
to your front door
Not everyday
but twice on a Tuesday
and then not again
until I’d
dried every drop
considering
I, too, knew
the sap-filled swaying
and time of dominance, when I grew.
Though the river took me, I didn’t complain.
I was abroad with my old friend, the rain.
And now, if stuck and hardened by years,
I never give in to nonsensical fears.
There are worse things to be
than a pebble worn smooth.
Not some nag of abstraction
who knows neither her mind
nor yours
You war people come to my coffee and toast
from shadows collapsed to challenge your host.
Say you, you say, who here’s the ghost?
While a crow stands watch on every third post.
My love for now I leave unsaid
for want of love to back it.
Who robbed my heart of winter store?
Who’ll love for I who lack it?
These are the boots
of my justification.
When they strike the dust
what rises will be
the sign of my righting
my long wronging
of myself.
I will do
what I always knew
I would do.
God is bad at justice.
This one’s on me.
Unhook it.
Put it in your basket.
Clean it, cook it.
And dread the day
it works its wonder.