in the heather

this is better, the wind
and weather within the
heather hidden from view

the flowers surrounding, you win
you’ve found me, a sin-bound
sounding of skin black-blue

summer couplet

I am lashed to the mast of a galley called Time
on a slow summer cruise that got way out of line

Salt Lake City, golden hour
windows closing cut the shower
shining past the control tower
smacks against the plane

rejected light forms rivers, pooling
right beneath the engines, cooling
should be warmer, what’s this fooling?
the flight alights in vain

mercy dark, climbing higher
pilot’s got the holy fire
blind but he’s a frequent flier
seeking light left lame

I asked for salt
you gave me brine

you asked, “How much?”
I said, “That’s fine.”

my mouth was wet
but now it’s dry

now that my eyes
again are mine

I look around
and—oh, surprise—

see other places
I can find

far richer food
on which to dine

bend oh bend my child
hear my will and bow
beneath the clouds of Seattle
for I am with you now

remember who I made you
remember your birth mark
the stamp of love I gave you
the flick’ring crimson spark

find rest in me my child
I’ll hold you in the night
beneath the clouds of Seattle
and watch your dreams alight

give me honest clean monogamy
and plain fidelity
someone sober
someone older
someone salty like the sea

give me a rider wearing blinders
someone stubborn someone free
a head held high
and honest eyes
that only look at me