The Gate Snaps Open

In the evening

something actually beautiful

chews at my ear.

That’s you, Shrub Doctor,

our life together

growing bushy.

Hear that? That’s

our lawn dying,

our neighbors

clobbering each other,

a cylinder drops

into the vacuum

at the bank and soon

we’re broke again.

Let me help you

out of your overalls:

you can help me

off with my beard.