Number Nine (first version)

 

the flooded trails and single vulture

shorn of clouds and raccoon paws

 

squelch the mud, rise the pine

charred by lightning, testament

 

the fool, the star, the three of swords

unseen fox in daylight passes

 

bench number nine, discussing how

commitment follows up conviction

[RK, 11/23/20]

 

 

Number Nine (second version)

 

sandy hummocks, charred slash pine

flooded roads and insect lull

 

elusive scent of cow and mud

vulture tease and hunger glow

 

lazy ease of wind sea tree

dove and jay a thousand wings

 

sun that leaks of ice and please

climb back up onto the road

[RK, 11/23/20]

 

Room 235

drinking adequate coffee

perched at the edge of a dry tub

in a motel writing this

temporarily it makes sense

 

inexplicably the water

quivers in a gallon jug

from an unknow tremor going

through the building

 

plastic curtains, a window the never opens

climate controlled generic furniture

the all-important fire evacuation route

clearly posted on the door

 

two towels smell of

a remembrance of times past

something colorful melted in a drawer

the missing Gideon Bible

[RK, 11/23/20]