Perfect Kiss
The first insults those that follow—
a curiosity, a carnival ride at dusk.
Second or hundred-&-third
recalls the first, measured &
found lesser—small rite
in tribute to inaugural...
The Other Affair
Not even the wind creates love songs equally,
For a passerby, lifting a stubborn edge of joy
From this ruddy earth with frail hands,
gathering...
We Have Gotten So Good At Dying
A sad memento is sad so long
as it’s
the officiant of girlhood—the body its own
disengaged worship. How to chronicle...
Winters—
we like our bodies naked blanketed like letters in an envelopemoving against each-other as though the only warmth in this worldcould come from touch as though the only...
At the memory care center, the parlor resembles
what was once my grandmother’s bedroombut with artificial flowers.Dixie cups swirl with pink ice cream,the coffee table...
Park Ekphrastic Without Park
First day of fall finds me in mourning—something about 50 Fahrenheit I’m not ready for,might never be ready for the rest...
The Newborn
Barely 5 lbs 8 oz,
she sleeps before me
and snores through
her half-open mouth.
She clenches her
tiny palms.
Tight chest, fisted heart;
tight tight—
sweat trickles down
her cotton onesie.
She...
