American Lotus



I'm just straining to keep
my head above the water line
my body already is drowning 
in the downing-
tickling my neck at the edges,
and there's a rooster at the mind door
waiting to pick at my thoughts
make announcements
even as images soar
like the southern lotus-
magnolia echoes

and the day wears on
braided in classical music
budding until it is
gone...

But as long as I can be heard
I am smiling for the words
and keep them coming
maintain my fish legs strumming
on the guitar of the waves
we make from angry words
and hurtful stabbings

My dark angel, 
you fear me more than any
and keep me challenged
to stay afloat
in this amniotic--
if I could buoy on
and catch a ride with
a watermelon for awhile,
I would then gladly sing my way-
go down again
and come up bobbing
for that slight sweet smile
hidden deep
in the longing of
your anxious heart...

and so, to keep magnolia time
I float on these words
do my lines..
]
repeat I love yous
time after time..


Phoebe


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