A FEW STEPS

Heidi Woolever

Let frustration pass through me,
hold still as green brown nightmares fade.
If oxygen should evaporate,
let silver spiders bring me messages.
As burning Chevrolets illuminate
the docks and carports,
let panic melt to ice,
fly south with diving birds.

Charge out of these buildings,
down a few steps,
we can find a darkening room somewhere.

Lie still, I'll count the scars
like stripes down your back.