3.
First
You wore a robe.
I remember I was
awake and it was
always very early.
I couldn’t wave
with my arm in a
sling like that.
I’d shout your shade.
June, the dreamstress,
as illusive as love
as real as anger
came close dangerously.
The night was dark
green and shiny
as what you wore.
We rode the globe.
You don’t have to
sing to be sad, after
all what’s done, is.
Horizontal sunbeams.
A Short Haiku
Seagulls at high noon,
a flock of shadows
swirls at my feet.
4.
Steel
This is the land of guitars
and voices that can make you cry.
Young men with gimped ears
and an ageless look in their eyes
strum and fret
their voices smooth as smoke – songs
old as the hills.
The girls take it so seriously
even if it’s all a joke, Jack.
But like the song says – give
a babe enough rope.
Then there’s the old line,
you asking for my sun sign.
Sagittarius, without question.
We’re both better than this.
What is this place?
We’re backstage
in the out takes.
We’re beats again in a basement.
Producer,
Producer,
O, where art thou?
Say you read an article
about blobs of bacteria
discovered at the edge
of the atmosphere,
and are they from space?
June said, "get off
my ledge." He thought
she said stage. He fell
hard, big as he was
and all.
5.
Another Week
This is the time
wind whistles through
the hollow head
and old men greet you
with the rattle of bones.
This is the time earth
turns and tosses
under the heels
of well dressed mules.
Potatoes call to the clouds.
I’ve heard broken trees
beg for fire.
I’ve seen mean women
close their eyes.
This is the cutting edge.
Can you taste
the steel in your teeth?
He Spent His Day
Looking for some air
he could breathe.
Later that evening
there was water.
It had been stifling
and there were
too many dogs.
6.
Don’t
Don’t interrupt me.
I’m trying to clear
this thought.
He said scientifically .
7.
Rote
You gave me a road,
then took it away.
I looked for its return.
It came back empty.
I played the role
like you directed.
You called on others
to set the scene.
You showed how
I should say this.
You and the others.
How you tutored me.
Why say you’d go
when you’re half
there, or half here.
It’s just this glass.
Don’t interrupt us.
The thought’s just
ahead in the spot
where you stood.
This is a difficult
scene, and I must
walk all the way.
Follow that road.
Follow that road.
Such a lonely end.
Maybe these shots
should come under
the opening titles.