719 (Kate Greenstreet) by Sugar House Review

719

The old man reaches out his hand

and the young man
reaches out his hand

but they’re not quite close enough to touch.

We come upon the unexpected
news of your death.
It’s a work day.

Maybe all this sweating does some good?

The main thing is your idea (you said)
of who you are.

Then the rearrangement
of the furniture, everyone in black.

Though isn’t there always someone in a dark
color not black, because they don’t have black.
Or maybe, for once,
I wanted to express myself.

Sometimes, now, I think
you’re really in Brazil

or Colorado. Free
to start a different life,

take up
a different instrument.

—Some leaves never let go.

—But don’t they always fall in the end?

—I don’t know. Presumably.

—Are they dead? Even if they still hang on?

—Depends. On your definition. But yes.

About the poet:
Kate Greenstreet's new book Young Tambling is just out from Ahsahta Press. Her other books are case sensitive and The Last 4 Things, also with Ahsahta. For more information, visit Kate's site at kickingwind.com.

More information about Young Tambling, including how to purchase, can be found at: https://ahsahtapress.org/product/young-tambling/