Each night after work I leap
to new conclusions the chatter
of the world consumes me
I watch who I wanted to be
years ago materialize in the music
of passing cars some deep ache
slows in my chest I need
to relax my shoulders I am not
giving my life to the clock
now people return
to my street I need
to go inside and hide
(originally published in First Literary Review-East, Summer 2023)
Living in the golden-shadowed
window reflection through bam-
boo, such is the layered tone
of the rest of my day, nose
sore and red, I am urged
by friends to celebrate (this fall
day fifty and slow, so sunny).
Though my sentinel self rises
from the seat it sits in– mind
released from body, you have
fulfilled your duty– stay home.
(originally published in The Wise Owl, Winter 2023)
today was one of millions
of days I needed to be alone
a cloud of stars outshining
the world on the eve of its end
the dishwasher cycles through
around its own reality again
forget the parables
your knees are cold
here’s an elegy
so many mothers giving
to children we want
to please them
(originally published in The Magnolia Review, Summer 2018)