I continue to search for soft wind
to blow the gentler spirals that were once
aloft above metropolis, pinwheels of fallen dreams
so many ticks on the tape ago, confetti
don’t rain on her parade though it pours on mine
and she and I have no umbrella, just tiny Chinese
parasols we grip between our teeth
to shelter our hearts from the storms approaching,
eddies, torrents, and twisters, so difficult
near impossible, to steal a kiss this way.
Chagall 2015
The leaves outside my window
couldn’t be more red, more red
than I have ever seen.
The sky above my head
couldn’t be more blue
yet less blue than I am now.
Chagall 2015
I demanded of the bouncer
to return my money – the sign said
Lurid Thrusts & Primal Undulation
while all I saw were timid sways
Chagall 2015
She pulled the poem from her holster
and took dead aim at my brow.
The last thing I remember
is her blowing the smoke away.
Chagall 2015
Thought was there
not now
Chagall 2015
From here on in
the lesson gets harder,
loss more bittersweet
than gain less fulfilling
but still high stakes
and so worth playing
I’m living, I’m doubling
down from here on in.
Chagall 2015
The Oracle reached across me
scented of myrrh and peppermint
her hair brushing my face
as she leaned in and whispered
hushed, seductive, wizened:
Carlos, my love, you must know
that across this earth, nay
the universe large, we are living
in the age of the asshole.
Chagall 2015
Elevate beyond the veil
overlook the valley
I’m not quite sure
if there will be dales
as well, just land
safely (I pray the pall
will lift) – remember
please kiss Earth
once alighted, give Mother
my regards.
Chagall 2015
My sadness was deeper than even she’d imagine
for this was my final visit, the last go
around the wheel, I’d return not again,
such is nirvana.
Chagall 2015
She ate her broccoli
cockily.
Chagall 2015
Alphabet City 