parchment

an overripe peach
is sitting on the pavement
poaching in the sun

a dark and terrible bird is perched
on the wires above

and i am perfectly arranged on the porch
in an olive dress and matching shoes

perchance today someone will
move me out of the sun
or bring me down from my wire
or look my way

until then the passerby excuse themselves
with a touch
or a glance
or a taste

full moon

full moon
full heart
empty bed
that's a start.

the thing desired
once it comes
is a tree of life.

the things you are to me
root me in earthen soil
and clay
and desire

your branches reach toward the ceiling
of the sky
and the roof
of my mouth

your roots twist around my ankles
and pull and squeeze and beg me
and let me know
you are still there.

even if your
leaves are scattered
and fallen

and I have burned some

and someone else collects them
to adorn her hair