Walks

we take the keys
and leave the door open
we wind our way through the wind
we share our dreams
and plant their meanings
we don't cool
over dropped ashes
we burn up awake
and stay awake when we sleep
the things we notice
we keep behind our ears
our mouths fill up
with words we don't want to forget
we slow smoke - no
we can't stay in the sidewalks
we dig the alleys
the behind, the underneaths
we obsessed with breathing
we litter the sidewalk cracks
with our winter memory
can they see our smile
under the city stars trying
in and out
we impatient for
our feet to callous to this city
so we can walk it over
for summer
we go out in jeans
come back in skirts
the forgetful rabbits
cover our tracks
with only our fingertips to light the way
we pick up where we left off
bitter and delicious
until it makes sense.

april 16, 2010