Bells at Eleven
Tho’ I’m a Catholic
I hardly listen to the bells
in the freshly white tower
over our old church
February 5, 2026
Whose Garden
Gaping star in furthest space,
bridge-stone wormhole to weirder
galaxies among great gaseous
glacial columns of purple,
angled piers where new tenants
whiz like firework wheels
and spin out to dense openness.
February 3, 2026
Stranger on Ice
I slipped on frozen sidewalk
en route
to crispy cider celebration.
Cement met me quick,
embraced my hip.
I wore a helpless, gripping boot—
hers iron.
She pulled me quick.
February 2, 2026
Gunther’s Bagels
Gunther bakes bagels,
and his wife does not approve:
“There’s bills to pay,
and here you stay
to serve up on a silver tray,
disappointment every day”—
But who should feed the seagulls?—
“and burning through my love!”
January 30, 2026
China Bowls
Past predator
of quantum roses
planted in
China bowls
where money shines
and blue line
lies and violets
never dye—
where will you
purchase
your next sup,
if a rose
is a rose
in a violent cup,
that crumbles
at your
trembling
touch?
January 30, 2026
Gentle Teeth
I denied myself
love
to better love,
but not myself—
great undeserver
of love—
great beast—
lurking Grendel…
Always hunting.
Always hungry.
Who will unfix
these gentle teeth?
January 30, 2026
Farewell, Fair Painter
Farewell, fair painter—
Our room is dim and bare
Where my portrait,
Painted with unfair beauty,
Intended
To comfort the night.
January 29, 2026