Andy

got me a ton of mahogany
charged me fifty
– a finder's fee

In those days, old office panelling
was old
and they'd chuck it

It's a lovely wood
red, hard
but I had a log stove

and it gets cold
a few years later
a few turns of the wheel


~ ~ ~


He ambled up and sat beside me
talked solid for three days

He told me he was tired of hiding his pain
but when he let it out
it subverted into threats
He had to find a stranger
and speak his truth


~ ~ ~


A new light
Men cut weeds
She's happy
       outside for coffee
       no armour
       students trail uphill
when I say she looks good



~ ~ ~