Tease The End

like when the commentator says
"we'll be right back with more..."
craving the continuance
and not wanting to know the end
when it is already here
that this is all there is
that there is no that different from this
in this world
set apart from the moon
but also set apart from the whole

so we are critical
Is that in the code?
we wonder at night when we wake
maybe not those thoughts
but they return
always a little different
like growing cousins
at face value

the mullen that grew in the back yard
appeared like a cactus
and no one knew what it was
until she said what it was
& I thought, for an instant
"it could be dangerous"
but that was its pull

CALL AND RESPONSE

CALL: When I get Alzheimer's I hope I don't lose it all the time and punch you in the head.

RESPONSE: That's ok, I'll wrap your hands in towels.

Bath

Let the King
have his bath

The Lady In Waiting
can wait

Apple Sauce

we come into the world and eat apple sauce
then leave the same way

Of Colors Unseen

the blowing up and bubbling over
followers unassigned by the rule
float and floating open into dust
and brown turn in on blue again

The Shortest of Stories

for Alan

There was a child born without a brain
That's right, without a brain

He had a body and a head
but no brain

But where there was supposed to be a brain
there was a spout
From which poured out
the most wonderful music

So it was a happy story
and they named the boy Alan

Buying A Home

But if I have to do it again
at least I know it is not just me who's crazy
not the least of statements to make or
kind of like being at the end of a pillar of salt

Ordinary in its taste but not in it's design
forever forgetting your fucking keys

Almost when I think you are getting it
my algebra gets worse and
every time I hum that tune
right in the middle of a very important thought
it dissolves into pancake batter
causing this disturbance which
all along had nothing to do with anything