earlier, then, now
earlier
clouds thick with blueberry shadows
curled around ribbons of cream
then
the rain repetitively rattled the window
like someone with OCD
now
petals layer the walkway
a special event red carpet — for nobody but the wind
shiny things
my thoughts are birds
that will not stop flocking to you
telephone-wire-synapses
thrum
with their perched regard
they migrate north instead of south
in this orientation
i try to shoo them
towards sunlight and warmth —
the interest of other men
but they keep finding
the prismatic shine of your ice
irresistible
i want flamingos, bright and exotic,
parakeets, cardinals or bluebirds will do
instead i get magpies
with their love of things that are shiny
and all fixated on you
spoil the day
i don’t want the crispness of white against your dark skin
to intrude on every paper-sleeved truffle i am ever given
i don’t want black ribbons around presents
to slip though my fingers like strands of your hair
i hate music and movies and food and wine
i don’t want those too
all whispering of you
i don’t want anything to do with you
so why are you everywhere, in everything?
my cereal, my coffee, my drive in to work…
and spoil the day
