so much later than now
brother and me in backseat conversation
suitcases on laps and eyes on windows
brushing gas station crumbs off our knees

mother cries at each intersection
while we mumble something about irony
how quickly time passes when you’re young, and how
how slowly time passes

shock forward into memory
naked apartments of a sultry south
this land drips iced tea perspiration
giving life clay to a thirsty mouth

never said, this air-o-port as stepping stone
shines unfiltered country in the eyes
light kiss our heart from old boroughs
not just the radio that cries

now; mother asking exit questions
heart yelping down I-24
counting window bugs and waiting
while my talons twitch for
for future meat

ii - arrival

close the door, wipe my cheek
of mother’s tears, and mine
fixing crooked mirrors
and father’s vague advice

this final room is quiet
travel empty company
here, here is solitude
waiting for another, coming home

this new air in boxes
is mine for now, not ours
but new life steps out
in new
new boots

iii

open the door, paint my lips.

city is cowboy,
is red love and manipulated neon
spelling out in horseshoes, my love

snakeskin clicks comfort my dove
warm sky, sidewalk lust
snakeskin click click home

sky this blue makes trees untrue.

I walk in love city
a cowsign pointing desperation
until we meet, halfway home

home.

night eyes peer from uncurtained apartments
here the train tracks never end
with you I'm always on the right side

I always loved the seething sea, sea
tides rock gently in my sleep
never seen a sand as green
as the fields these lovers keep

“or felt a wave as strong,”
the plane wings sing to me
alive in dreaming singing cities
stretch burning hands to me

the sandstorm fucks in cornfield gold
sway a lovely rhythm of your name

an x-rated bookstore on the corner
a sighing lover on my shoulder
and the air conditioners never, ever work right.


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