IN MY LIVING ROOM WITH SCRATCHES ON THE WALL

I sit
with the damp air
pruning my feet
even inside
my woolen slippers

the blank wall
so desolate
save a stray nail
I have yet to remove

And so I have
removed everything
that reminds me of you
except

just as the man in solitary
needs no record player
my memory
needs no reminder

THE WONDER OF BIRDS

My heart is hopeful
at the sound of the birds
although the day is still grey

Their buoyance contagious
and melody amorous
I hearken to the outdoors
and stare at the peeling paint on the barn