These moments we steal away
lovely, but not enough.
Days, weeks, months we occupy
the same spaces in different time zones.
This is life that I would not trade
for all the open roads to lay out before me
a thousand ill-suited lovers. No.
Miles of crossed paths and messages,
fighting currents to stay connected
for these moments we steal away.
We are the show, Little Duck. That
is what they teach at the zoo. Do not look
too close in their eyes, them housed
in the baboon house. They’re trying to tell us
but the keepers know the facial expressions
associated with telepathy.
The name of the game is adaptation.
This growing up is all knowing when
and when is not public viewing hours
and that sometimes, it’s necessary
to growl.
communing near a commune of vultures
her wonder repaints the world
and I hobble along in my own way, grateful
to just watch and be included in the picture
