postscript

To wrap and present it
in a vacuum, impossible at first I think
but then there's bible school
and so tired explaining
while bathing you sitting
the porcelain welcome committee
Then two days awake
of brunch and no one understands
how upsetting
what they buy
where's the efficiency
a 3000 year-old fridge
with iced-over peaks
a loose belt
& pants falling rhythmically
You of family solidarity I envy
but have other engagements
waiting out the day
still stuck on the terrible trip
still on its time confusion & hate

*

Cold raindeer
& doghair sweater
fabulous chocolate boxes
over the microwave
plumbing leaks but
everything you need
is in this house

(my double clubs a seal
then turns on the TV)

*

Sorting the noodles in the big sleepless brain
Pakistan boils
"turned to salt and other chemicals"
yawn
the tank fills up and quiets
the stinkeyed cat in the fireplace fusses
it's a tight fit but warm
at home in bed
waves to her supporters, "allah!", cusses
sip some water
sitting ducks
dried sweat
to the pole in my pajamas, I mean
where's the desert unchannelled by the storm
and the mountain that doesn't quake?