5.

And for the rest of the day, they couldn't

speak to each other. A fat mound of hurt

and fear wriggled between them, a dying

demon.

Let the winds blow it away, let time

take it from us. It is unnatural here. This

land of love.

He still made her a sandwich. Knock twice

on the bedroom door.

She still put water for two in the kettle. The

soft whistle pulls him near.

And yet they both turned their heads

upwards when rain started licking the roof.

Cleanse us.

So when lightning struck, she went to the couch

and climbed on top of him.

The hurt was all alone, in the corner.

4.

and nevermind whale chatter, love splatter on
jeans. and nevermind forest green signs erupting
like bamboo from the grey.
but keep in mind ticket times, now we
can't be late, or you'll be sorry.
and put it in at 4 o'clock and let it steep
till someone sounds the bell--ding! till someone
knocks the door--drop!
so i'll get you a pet pidgeon for Christmas. and
i'll kiss the squish of your nose. and i'll
rise with you and close my eyes for
you and do my hair how you like it.
i'm trying to tell you i'll take it.
it being whatever it is that you can give me.
and so just keep in mind i'm always clutching
the touchings, the clippings of your dark. they're
in my breast pocket, and nevermind, but its
keeping me warm.