A Counting-Out Rhyme

Tender zipper, tenderloin, 

tender resignation.

Prayer wheel, slot machine, 

unknown destination.

[LSS, 9/28/20]

Arachnoid Mater

The maître d’opens a hidden door

between the apartments 

and now your own two hands 

come together again and exchange 

a friendly greeting before settling  

in for the meal, during which they 

trade stories about their recent travels, 

draw flattering portraits of one another 

on their napkins, share a bottle of wine. 

But when they get up to leave,

they lose their composure and trip 

on Sunday evening lingering 

in its usual spot on the threshold.

[LSS, 9/27/20]