Suburban Wood Poem by Ben Lozier

As I walk the path of a depressed suburban wood
Muddy route baked mosaic where no shadows touch
Silk catches flashes in debris on trees laid by flood
While heron gamely sings its double dutch

Bubbling from muddy waters attempt to de-confine
Calls me forth, gurgles recognition
Both slunk low, persistent down-climb
Retreat from hilltop forts' derision

In valley beneath a shadow of cultural demise
Gentle breaths channel down rent canal
Draws ache from bone, shutters eyes
Low whistle contravenes chorale

As my exhales join the downhill tumble
Foliage applauds, wood ignited
Mind bends into body, selves crumble
Child who shines inside benighted