Girl with juniper mouth,

I am only beginning

to begin the dream from

which like a lamp

you walk me out.

It’s been twenty bad years,

spent fleeing

the feeling that I

might be about to hear you

asking for my kindness.

And what am I to do

now with this

hand you give me, rifle-like,

conspicuous, the hand

of a girl not-drowning? I

must put in my love

hours, graceless,

and walk. All around,

the fragrant thicket

darkens & hums.