Poised Poems
they come to me when I am alone
driving
walking
places where another’s sound is pushed out by
the rush of wind or drone of an engine
spat away by the ocean spume
rustled out by south-easter leaves
clearing a space to make my own noise
Slinky
black cat, emerald eyes
small bandy legs stride steady
even debonair
bringing me your shrew gift
a devoted rub against my ankle
a cat wink smile
Early Fortitude
just another ten minutes of the snooze button
we can lie here, imagine we are somewhere else
pretend this day will not be a monster
mornings like these bring us back to the dream
string a constellation of stars for our eyes
glowing the hope within our apprehension
showing up the heavy metal that refuses to break
happiness is…the last morning cuddle
my best and worst years spilt on your chest
En route
on a small dune the homeless coat themselves
in the first balmy breaths of a winter sun
before the tractors come to clear the storm debris
they sift through the seaweed
collect fishing hooks to sell for a meal
this slight sandy reprieve-
our divine comma for conversations with self and God
a complete full stop to close eyes
to escape the noise
to dry up the hangover
not to think about direction for a small while
tide comes in, gulls scatter
a brooding stroll to the frantic tar and morning clatter