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
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
Owen took these photos.
ribbon-tailed astrapia
bobbing through the bush
he sews a white path
through green ground
binding memory and dream
