in one of my lives—

This one—If I must Be—

Exact, all hg1s hid their edges. A Tide

Passed over the long black grass, the sky Grew

Green and bigger, I drank red potions in Satiating

Portions. But—having Nothing—

To compare it to—I Saw

Felt, tasted Nothing.

To Think—

Once I was taught a Foreign

Language with words—like Seeds

Of poppies! Trice I was brought a Bouquet

Of yellow—butterflies, alighting! Unfurling—

And all I could think: I am thrice—unfurling. Next Door

They built a house of Noise. The tiny hammers and Anvils

Inside my ears—never ceasing. Next door: I was Left—

Ajar—having too little to say to my few and Far,

My friends. And you, fair friend—who Stayed

So Long—we had to call It

A big old windy Dwelling.

A three hundred sixty five star Night.

A Day.

In one of my Lives

I didn't know How—

Good—I kept my bird-like arms—Folded

Under what should have Been

My chest what should have Been

My heart—made the Usual

Small—human—Noises.