STILL
(Upon Awakening)
Magic will not save us.
Still
when you dream
you’re in Vegas
with your ex
doesn’t that mean
life’s a gamble?
Still
as long as birds sing
outside your window
upon awakening
and your eBay search
for framed cat prints
still arrives in your inbox
and your alarm still
gently reminds you
doesn’t that mean
your best work
is yet to be done?
Hoard all you want.
What is essential is
still
out there.
in here.
New York Times>Wedding Notices
The bitter bile
rises
but the throat
closes –
what was that?
A clench?
a scream?
Going up?
sliding down?
Is it for “not me:”
the pretty girl with
a face full of happiness?
I had that
once
with him,
didn’t I?
.!.
Walking into the marriage
so bright and fanciful, so...
...what’s the word?
Trusting.
Does she know she has no idea?
Is that why the bitter bile burns?
Discovering Magenta
It is important to share the same philosophy of crayons as your drawing partner.
Do you both believe that accidental breakage – unless it’s a really good color and
it's happened before – should not be rebuked?
Good.
After a break, do you each then – at least for a while – try to press softer
so as not to fracture any more than absolutely necessary?
Fine.
Do you agree to the compromise of putting most colors back in the box
but leaving the basics: black, brown and of course all the sparkly colors –
spread out on the table between you?
Excellent.
Then you will be successful coloring partners.
And when one of you discovers (hidden in a misleadingly bland wrapper)
the most achingly beautiful pink that could ever exist
you both begin The Search in earnest because someone –
no blame now! – accidentally put it back in the box.
You must share the burden of hunting through the pinks and the reds –
try a purple, you never know –
All you know is that you
must find that pink!
Don’t worry.
You will.