bits of history
shining silver tricks in the light
blinding my eyes just
a little bit
-you know
that red sweater
on that couch
in that one house
of all the hundred houses
safest I’ve ever felt
in my whole life
softest
warmth
I’ve ever known
-watching you,
mother,
walk the slowest
of all walks
down the gravel path
from your house
arms lightly clasped
behind your back
knowing full well
you were going to die
-rattlesnake
you called me
an old rattlesnake
voice shaking
full of love.
