ensconced

how deserving to be a brass bed and not be lied to,

conjured not played,

reinvented not fearful

or silenced or supposed,

reflected upon

not mocked, or

backstabbed.

in open shadows we emit,

live out in the walnut open

casting no vertical shadows,

perceiving horizontal clarity,

perceiving the long stretching east-west sea boats

drifting across Ocean’s precious grass,

envisioning the inside eye of it all,

staring forward historically,

embracing that singular spirit thriving within her walls

and making it last.

above the memorable concert stage

someone else could enter,

perhaps a hostage peddling trees for me.

and yes,

my offer could seriously be welcomed,

and yes,

further lives could be bargained for.

yet consider this determinate life that has been offered:

posing in a room full of people

surrounding bottomless tables

lungs breathing out frost, melting,

all of us ensconced

inside a southern cave of midst.