NEGATIVE ONE

A breath
the time of a sigh
the middle of
a blink
of an eye
a failure of synchronicity
in space and time…
suddenly
we become
negative one

1. Like Solitary Creatures Weeping

I am drenched with melancholy by the summer rain
when the sky opens up and moves the
furniture of my mind around with an easy grace.
The scent of heaven
conjures up a frayed and torn duffel bag of words,
I resist the temptation to write another poem, but I am
not forlorn.

By the river that empties into the sea,
I leave three words
for you in the sand.
The tide will wash them away, but not
before we break into waves
and crash against the dark grey sky.

2. For Him

I went to the store today
and ran into an older fellow
he said hi and I said hey
his voice was low and very mellow

As I held the door open
our eyes met for the shortest time
then slid off, as do most men
( as if connecting were a crime)

He shuffled off, I went on by
in a rush as seems my way
to buy some chicken I could fry
( you know, his eyes were almost gray)

Theatre Macabre

lower the house lights
in the broken-down theater
of a thousand tortured nights
hush the sequined crowd
of ragged clowns
and aged ringleaders
bring a soft spot
to center stage

awaken the sots
while the curtains descend
composing a backdrop
of claret crushed velvet
hear a pin drop
as I strike my pose
extending toes on one foot I hop
beginning the dance