A BARBED-WIRE FENCE MEDITATES UPON THE GOLDFINCH

More than the shortest distance

between points, we are

the Stradivarius of work.

We make the meadow meadow, make it

mean, make it yours, but till the last

insurance policy is cashed in we will

never be immune to this

exquisite cruelty:

        that the knots in all our posts remember limbs

they nested and were busy in and danced per-

chic-o-ree their loops between,

that the fury of their playfulness persists

in amputated roots.

Remember us

next time the little yellow bastards lilt

across your windshield. No one

no one is above the law.