Impulse

Impulse

Where would we search for the impulse.
In the pulse, the solar plexus, the temples.
In the inner itch of fingers reaching for
a pen, or other fingers. Abruptly.
How does it happen, without warning,
unexpectedly. Out of nowhere, from
where do you derive this inspiration.
You find your mouth moving,
words rushing out, winged. An impulse
enters, instantly materializing.
Has it always been there, implanted
at the molecular level and waiting
to detonate, all of a sudden.

Familiar

Familiar

I know you,
I want to know you.

I recognize you,
your mannerisms comfort

me. We must already
know one another, for I

expect the skin
on your face to behave

as it does, your
vocal cords to resonate

like they do,
as cables stretched by

an elevator’s
weight. See how we are

each other’s
authors. As choreographers

create on a dancer,
I observe your musculature

and movement
to show you what I see in you.

That’s No Moon

That’s No Moon

That’s no moon, that’s a
searchlight, beckoning superheroes,
criminals. That’s no earthquake,
that’s a helicopter grabbing hold
of the windowpanes, rattling them
as you would a collar, transferring
urgency from fist to fabric.

That’s no ditch, it’s a hole
set in the lawn like a dark gem.
That's no dog. I don't know
what kind of creature that is
shaking the evergreen's petticoat.

Normally, it's not this tough
figuring out what is what.

Iced Water

Iced Water

Water cradles ice,
expertly carries this other phase
of itself.

All the while,
water softens the cubes’ surfaces,
rewinding

ice, coaxing it
to release, to be integrated within
the liquid.

So elegantly water
has been designed, infused with
so much give.

Off Days

Off Days

Days when something is off,
not as in switch not flipped up
but off a track, a spine misaligned
or stuck zipper with fabric shoved
down its throat. Or maybe as in
a sick day, an appointment cancelled
by your better self, unable to perform
the customary whatever. You are cautious
on your off day, creeping up to examine
your own moves and motives. Better to
hang back, wary, a dog sniffing at a stranger.