wings and atmosphere

we crawled inside those songs
like they were prototype spacecraft
we were going to see the universe or burst into flames.
i think we made contact,
the tapes show nothing but static.
and the memories i kept
keep on exploding.

the seed

somehow my heart is still smiling.
each little link breaking remembers
we are connected without regard for
propriety. without knowing how or why
the infant cries, collapses, carries on crawling.
until one day she stands and walks.

surely, i say, there is something good and whole
and pure that must be buried beneath this pain.
i set my spade to it, like a schoolchild
barefoot with it squishing between my toes.
the seed has already been planted here.
with a little warmth, i say, it will grow.

to give the lie to

my little fractures
i'll learn to break a rabbit's neck in one swift motion
and accept the over-sized plastic accordion straw
extending
sound.
i'll sell that old engagement ring
with the sapphire.
my smile will jump off my lips and you-
you'll feel it.

blessed xenia

let's love one another

even though it makes us strange.

as this smile bubbles up from my chest

i am drowning in reverse.

and good, that slow drip creates such a tense atmosphere

but every heart is calmed by running water.

let's not hold back anymore.

fear

he asked me, "you're scared?" the words, inflections
flecked with disbelief and nonchalance.
i found my tongue and lips in motion, saying, "perpetually."