The uttered phrase Be it shouted or symbolic Rolled off the tongue a lit fuse Matching black book secrets Passed through epochs On horseback and covered wagon Sprinted through calvary Tied between saddle bags Awaiting hands impatient Checking between phrases Perchance Tucked under petticoat Or betwixt congregation movement Riffling through pages Reading menus in braille
cast-off
canvas whispers secretson the tradewinds flying from the easthull-sucking barnacles affixedfrom a year of tethering we grow in placeshelteredeventually shaking bone dustblinking back light & ashrunning white-gloved fingers over the mantlesetting sail again