You became obsessed with nucleated red blood cells when you peeked through an
aperture window at your liquid, viscous nature. You became obsessed with maps

we’re trying to construct a frame for this
‘highly reactive impulsive emotion’
the nurse is looking into it   

By the light of a wolf moon,
my father turns mad.
Anne whispers to a girl in the wind,
and a friend blows into my life.

Squirrels dream of a cougar,
a cougar given permission
to crouch like an assassin
awaiting its prey . . .

Three jackdaws walked widdershins
around the birdfeeding station.

I see
how you see
us in meetings:

merchandise
to slip
off
the shelf.

Stubborn, we closed our fists
To better ward away the brume

it’s more
of a gathering
than a town

Have you heard the one about
how I’m hoping to bow out –
playing guitar for the Cure