inner art journal

Attempts

My dear friend did not want the procedure.
She only went in for some literature—
for “a friend.” But it took so long to get through
the mob outside—and just for a brochure—
that she thought, “Better now than later,” and had them do
it right away. So many did not come
who’d had appointments, it was easy to
get a doctor’s appointment the same day.

I visited her in ICU. Some
time later in the day, my dear friend died.

I told this to the protesters outside
and brought a snapshot of her, certain they
would tone it down a bit, or even say
a prayer. Not only did no one pray,
I think I was the only one who cried.

uncharacteristically

I slice the vegetables thin

instead of into thick chunks

my spirit lightens

making gazpacho

under the heavy rain

coming out quietly

land snails

set the pace

of a dark summer evening

Have you ever observed that there
is no wall that’s flat, no edge that’s straight,
anywhere
in a human being?
I have and it has improved my seeing
around a corner or behind a thing
of late.