Snorting Clouds
How could I think “pavement after rain”
without breathing it? Crouching to snort
shoes and clouds up my nostrils.
Animal Poem
Raccoons rummage and chatter amongst themselves
with their little squeaks
until I spot them
and they stop what they’re doing
(whatever it is) and state
with their little people eyes, and then
after a moment
scatter. Under cars behind
trees beneath hedges and now I know,
I finally understand that they are everywhere.
Coney Island
Pinstripe pants floral dress
suspenders and open, muscular back
white shoes and white shoes.
Up against the guardrail, and
lines moving in diagonals from
the upper center, outwards.
Fastened to the lines, small flags.
They flap because wind,
and there is also heat, and yet–
“Do you think it’s almost starting?”
“Maybe, probably soon.”
“I’d like to ride it.”
“Let’s watch it at least once.”
Joe Taylor 