memory sends rivulets in slalom
down her spine, belligerent skeins spin away
from fingers tangling twine instead of touch,
attends or attends? move or move on to
step into the painting over a crib,
rocking in the wake of loveless loss
bending timber to a pestilent point;
splinters hop on high into irate iris,
negligence finds just desserts deserted.
but a rusted spoon, she drowns in pudding,
slipping off a settee, trickling sweat
wringing rhyme and reason, she rings no more.
