A PIECE FROM THE COAST




Curling and uncurling:

I have allowed you to smoke

despite the asthma,

despite nights away

and cheeks turning red

from the frustration in your chest.


In Mendocino in the rain

he pulled over

and they talked about

no it can't be this good.

He held a ball in his hand

and cried.


Our driver combed his hair

and rain leveled into the silence.

No more. No more dwelling.


Rise up after that as

the man still rubbing saddle soap

into his hands has been allowed

one sobbing and now must

return to the land he deserves.


Rise up now it's time.

This is the hour of house and tree,

leaf and blade, stick and stone.