Jerrold Yam

J e r r o l d   Y a m

Snow

Leave us. There is no generosity

in unwelcome surprise. Already

the neighbour’s yard clenches its

earthen jaw in anticipation; kids

sprint to windows upon waking.

If you have to cheat in the middle

of the night, vanish by morning.

Tell me how kindness works in

taming an undependable person.

Geyser

Few things sadder

than your inconsistencies.

First, a quandary of rocks

scattered in jest, each smeared

with their own handwriting.

Second, no place to call

a sanctuary, no one there

without taking you

for granted. Third, an occasional

burst of remonstrance to show

you are alive, buried

in melancholic soil. Anything

that is beaten is impressive

while it lasts.

Castle

If the sole purpose of art

is to mimic nature, there

are no success stories to

be found in bricks. Study

the way nothing is built.

Use forts for pictures as

you would a friend, one

errand at a time. Parents

cannot tell the difference,

busy shepherding people

who will outlive the lies.

No one has conceded so

far as home is concerned.

next