Every year, new idealist volunteers,
more tourist than missionary, come
to save us with their insect repellent and
books. They build tombs from our jaws.
...
When the girl who looked like sun rays fell
and twitched like an electrocuted fetus,
most of the third grade class laughed. Some
even pointed as if marveling at shooting stars,
...
Do you remember when we were songs?
We twirled in lawns and streets
arms outspread
believing
...
(For “The Amazing Johnny Eck”
a.k.a.“Half-Boy”)
...
When the circus left town,
it took all of my ex-lovers with it.
I was relieved.
...
painted across the new face of man
awakening from unlearned sleep
bled between shackle and wrist
...
silly bird,
you fly every day
as if you will see something different
...
I.
My city stretches toward the sky
clock hands at the witching hour.
...