Middle Order

Middle Order (Y.O.) 11/21

Something – breaks across the path of the rising sun
Crosses into the deep blue of sky and leaves white trails
Rose-colored and opening – it is a finger across water
Etching the surface of heaven with its print
Are the marks permanent? – Are you?
Make what you will of this contrail – missile – plane

1. Against the wind – the sun rises and then pops
the clouds open
            every fire escape will scrape and creak
            in the light

2. Against the wall – you face whatever lives
in the recesses of your mind
            it breaks like dawn in the heat of August
            it fizzes like a voice across water

3. Against the sky – a line traces the path of the moon
and draws a face
            smiling
            open-mouthed