from p.4 on Mon., Aug. 17th

River & Drum Work:

1.

Glass cases fill the room

overflowing with small rocks

and body jewelry of all 

shapes and sizes that

will soon be in the ears

and mouths and belly buttons

of people in the shop. The 

needle is hot, the jewel was picked, and she 

was ready to be pierced.

Guages. Bold and quaint.

People with different lives.

Gathered in a body art 

shop. Down 13th. Brood and

pass. Covered by diamonds

and gold. A vivid omen

in the air.

2.

Her stuff was packed

up in every corner.

Every wall looked

a little too blank

for my comfort.

We walked out the door

and gave one more group hug, 

the three best friends

are temporarily separate.

Things in boxes.

Walls blank.

Bitter Sweetness.

Lost for words.

This is only goodbye

for a while.

This is the way it goes.

3.

The trail was rocky

and I could hear

my sneakers press

agains the gravel,

all while the bright

sun shined through

my eyes and the

trees whistled

above my head

through the hot wind.

The rocks: loud as a
I stepped. The trees 

whistling. The sun hot.

Very bright, my eyes, 

the sky, blue. Beautiful.