she goes out into a strange world every morning. 2010

she goes out into a strange world every morning.

and leaves the door unlatched with the hope that the elfish will come in

she pats the cat as he says good-bye

and feels shaken as                        the                         good birds   go

before her

she sinks into her sandals’ soles as the clock turns a quarter

and goes around the table                  twice

before clicking off the light

she cries out for people who know what they have seen

and can put into words the voices they hear urging the quit