a warm up...

shades of black light and
the small hand of midnight
guide my flight

torn burgundy shoes and
soft confetti blues
read me the news

soft shuffling feet and
maggotty deli meat
bring me a seat

--------------------------------------------------

a second warm up

through endless nights i lie waiting
through defined days i sit watching

waiting for lies and endless nights
watching for definitions of defined days

---------------------------------------------------

life instructions

when the earth rumbles beneath your feet
slump your shoulders
head indoors

when the skies hum with blue electricity
comb your hair
run away

when the sabres clank on patented belts
tie your tie
march in step

when grasshoppers rub their feet together
close your brain
fly away

when the world stops spinning
put on your running shoes
compensate

---------------------------------------------------

Fog

he searches overpasses at night
for the enemy that shot his friend
he's been home for months
he searches overpasses at night

he jumps when she pops her bubble gum
like he jumped everyday on command
he's been home for months
he jumps when she pops her bubble gum

she sleeps at dawn while he's awake
she doesn't sleep much while he's here
he's been home for months
she sleeps when he's awake

he kisses her cheek after bathtime
the baby cuddles in his arms
he's been home for months
she's glad to know him

he prays to God before dinner
giving thanks for saving his life
he's been home for months
he prays to God

he cries for brothers long gone
and laughs at stories he knows
he's been home for months
he cries for brothers long gone

----------------------------------------------------