610 Steven B. Smith

SEPTEMBER SMOKING

just once, courage.
in my eyes dust
blinds each shape
a man speckles to no one.

the milk skin allergic
to comers
functioning as half sperm
supported by intent and titties

he says, "i am not rich, but this beast must be fed."

what is deep in his ear?
is it that insular disguise
the deeds even supposed
innocence(t) apologies will not do.

1.
watch them mime.
2.
they drink them
3.
drink more
4.
push tongues
5.
boot out hot mouthes
6.
nothing too audible
7.
bleeps and clicks
8.
rumble to drizzle

we enter,
the company of old scratch records
her lovers haunt me
as shadow to kid walled
i dream of their stomachs,
the line of their mouthes
eat her, music from a pursed mouth

her hips destroy sons.

their drops spread where i lay
frozen, a back climbed
a self made fire slayed
mallable to a lie
more strange than fire flys
than ghosts.

r a washington

 

ME AND THEN YOU AND ME

The highway has been expanded on the southwest edge of the city so that the cars can come either way now. The highway that is so new to begin with. The passengers examine one another as they go by, driving through for the first time. The drivers coming-from look into the faces for a moment of the drivers going-to. It is a beautiful day for this time of year. The changes they were making to the highway were improvements. The city is pleased with their new board of directors. There is constant traffic and everyone is excited to drive on the new pavement for the first time. They named the highways in the area after their dreams. The names are evocative of beauty and true love. There are gardens and forests on the side of the roadway. I'll meet you today on the mouth of the highway at this little place I found. We will go for a walk in the forest by the ravine. We can talk about our plans and where to live and where we will meet again. We can design a building to meet in and we can talk about a landscape. We can talk about what is important to you and me and we can plan a trip. With the others I'm okay with chance meetings. I have a lot of experience with people that I don't understand. Usually it is best to let them go. I've already staked my claim on the quiet life, and the reasonable meals, and the magic of domesticity. I'm pleased if we go out sometimes and if you come over. The headlights are shining on the highway as everything gets a little darker. Some people said that New Year's was just another day to them. To me no day is just another day. I seem to examine the significance of everything. I'm starting to feel warmer now that I'm at home. I was awakened in the early morning but not gently. I'm curious about what is to come and looking forward to the future. A small house in the centre of town was destroyed by fire last night. There was a lot that just ended up in landfill. The things that were once treasured. There are charred places underfoot now. The woman who owned the house died some time ago. It was inherited by a member of her family who was using it. Now I guess a part of the past and the maternal has been lost. The loss was inadvertent in the planning for the new future. The fires and the penetrating spirit have destroyed the past. The fire in the heart of the crowd has come with intention, and the old house and the old way is no more. Change will make friends with me I hope.

Rielly Stares