In honor of Debbie Johnson.
The fine blue wick of your intention
Peeks through the scattered topsoil,
Equally fine at penning loss
And unraveling murder.
Thanks for reading my poems at the coffeehouse.
I’m returning the garland you won for me—
undisturbed and ageless, glazed with expectation.
Apply your gleanings to the coarse-grained floorboards of your desire,
Drawing back the darkness to reveal their outcome.
Or save them for the times you tarry
Next to an empty kitchen chair.
By now I’m too savvy to offer you advice,
Still I have to say:
If you had known you’d serve as a model for the new generation
Better that you had presented a weave of less riotous color.
But—wicked thoughts!
Do they not make the best stories?
Andy Oram
July 30, 2023