endings
endings
something’s about to change
to be wrapped up
the final period inked
and what can you possibly say
to leave this chapter satisfactorily?
what last rituals, goodbyes, reflections,
exiting bits of dialogue
can prepare you and your reader
for who you will be next?
one last SP
a final cold shower
a salute to the ribbon-tailed
then a return to English tongues
resolved: not taking the blame
resolved: not taking the blame
like Siddhartha
he knows how to wait
silent and still
quiet and calm
less certain is how
he will take in
the guide’s excuse:
you moved too much
as we unmeld ourselves
from the fronds and branches
I hear his breath catch
fighting back tears
on the long silent walk home
I wonder what he will say
when he can speak freely
hoping he won’t accept the proffered blame
at home the tears come
and relief on both accounts
he knows who he is
and won’t be told otherwise
how is it at 12
he already walks away from suspect guilt
with clear eyes and a steady conscience
when I still can’t shake my Catholic days?
shaking hands
shaking hands
saying hello
is not the same
as placing your palm
in another’s grasp
feeling their corporeality
in the flesh
letting the electricity
that is your pulse
connect with their spark
putting yourself
in their hands
for even an instant
ribbon-tailed astrapia
Owen took these photos.
ribbon-tailed astrapia
bobbing through the bush
he sews a white path
through green ground
binding memory and dream
when the WiFi barely works
when the WiFi barely works
0s and 1s drip
like fat orbs of honey
no, molasses –
black-brown and glossy
slowly teasing me with
the taste of warm gingerbread
I’m like those
inconsistently rewarded lab rats –
they never give up –
and I click & reload over and over
maybe this time
the bits will go down smoothly
my desires will sail through
the twisted pipe of fiber/cable
and the rental car will
magically be reserved
