ritual
take the shower. face the mirror. brush
the choppers. smooth the hair down. don
the pj’s. kiss the baby. fluff the pillow.
spoon the partner. sleep.
take the shower. face the mirror. brush
the choppers. smooth the hair down. don
the pj’s. kiss the baby. fluff the pillow.
spoon the partner. sleep.
a poem because i live in an urban area,
i didn’t secure a dwelling that let’s me
be loud, and i’m damned with consideration for my fellows. my instruments
sit silent my spirit seethes.
the landlady’s dog relieves herself on the concrete
in the back. there’s a dedicated shovel for scooping
her crap into the trashcan. tonight, our toilet
is broken. why do i hesitate?
i like a white wall. even freshly painted,
there’s a landscape there, a map of im-
perfection itself. i trace the routes i’ve walked
and dream the paths beyond.
keep in touch. drink water. go to bed.
wake up. be gentle. give compliments. walk.
just listen. simplify. be close. leave space.
attend. let go. forget.