Morning Class in Washington, D.C. A sparrow collides, fallsglass to concrete Beak opens, body spasms. A student looks:me, bird, back. She wants instructions. Touch the birdto do what? Stun it...

Bellevue Library I remember this library as hiddenin trees, perched on the hillside,pierced by birdsong. I looked out from the second floorto see the oak trees,...

Brussel Sprouts in the Pandemic As we kneelin this galaxyof lost stars, the imprintof our handsin the earth remains.The virus is spreading,and yet we plantedBrussel sproutsyesterday— and mustard greens.And...

Feathers in a Folktale The rabbi told the gossipto rip open a pillowand release the feathersto the wind. “Now bring them back,”the rabbi ordered.“Every single one.” Scattered...

The Ballad of Alice Hortense Some sweet morningI can’t say whenThe sun’s gonna melt my days awayAnd I’ll flow beside the knowing riverTill the rushing...

Positive Vision Quest Dig your many trenches of attrition where you must.The inside job comes right from the gutand nowhere else. Happiness is when what you...

Your Ghost Lights Me I know that you do In the afternoon Under a warm blanket Sun on the couch. I feel it Honey in my vertebrae Pulled out of my...

Metamorphosis No one asks the caterpillar.Survival has selected her destinylong before she swallowsher first lush, trembling leaf--sending her, impelling herto commit herselfwillingly,even eagerlyto the tiny...

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE FROM MY FORMER SELF I lost everything:the contours of the body I knewthe housethe identity of wife/motherhalf of a couplea name that...

After a night of therapeutic bottle and blunt passing He wakes on earth at 5AM In a lumpy bed He goes to the airport in his overalls Brandishing...