Watching The Odd-Watcher Poem by David Floren

When anyone feels it welling up
They feel like upstarts, so watch them.
Watch for when anyone seems to pierce the veil,
And see through to a fathomless well.
Watch their eyes.

When anyone lifts a heavy spirit
From the chokehold of this muddy floor,
Watch for when the very thing seems to shudder
And lift away from the thick sludge.
Watch their look.

When anyone gets to pee pints
From the fierce bladder of shameful half-measures,
Watch for when a furtive smile turns lips to searchlights
Piercing through a nightmare’s creosote-heavy fog.
Watch them close.

When anyone sees anyone
Perform the odd act of soul-watching,
Watch for when a purported watcher smiles,
And know you’ve cavorted for miles in their moccasins.
Enough so feet think they’re eyes.


[12-05-05 Berkeley, CA]