FEAR

(photo:  mine, Oaxaca,Mex)

FEAR

I dreamed I stabbed a deer and laid it on its side. It spoke to me and did not die.

FEARS

return

over & again

close the door

they seep

across your threshold

seal the windows

they find their way

as drafts

spray all the repellent

you and your wizards can devise

and they will dress themselves

from your closet

ignore them

and they will pester

                  your sleep.               

   *

Open your arms

watch them

step forward  stumble back

unsure of the tune

you’ve called

Set the table

and they will

gorge themselves

into

skeletons

and

smoke

Breathe easy

the wind

will

carry

them

away

I dreamed I stabbed a deer

and laid it on its side

It spoke to me, and did not die.

RW

Guanajuato, Mex.

11.23.2019

Artemio Rodriguez