All of It, 2006

All of It, 2006

for erin

you know this is the only thing
that i can write to you,
you two,
talking all day.

you knew that they were new.
and i just sat and smiled.
that i am. and they are too.

his voice is lower and smooth with a smile
and nodding. she almost barks, not like her,
telling how it is. and she’s always right.
i watched her grow to this.

her eyes filled when we couldn’t hear
each other, when we ate. like we always did.
it’s fun. brought us here. and our talking.

i decided that this is the gift for them all.
i am not sure they know how they are to me.
she knows. she said it. her blessing.

she’s reading the wild man who sees how
it is. going to meet him. for me. but it’s for her.
finally. she goes by herself, with another friend.
i am miles away surrounded by little seas & sleeping
next to those feet and hands with a drawing of them right above.
and i lay out a story for all of them.

after she asked if i hate women. how far to meet me
here and then she is going to come also. and get one of these.
now, i am weaving for all of them. for you too. for the tiny woman
with rhythm and the words (& the voice). all of it.

it’s all for you.
that’s what they said would happen.
turn around. from me to them.
& they were right. they always are after i doubt,
and test and see then know. they are the smartest.
they are ancient.

i do not know english, i say.
and she knows, and says she doesn’t either.
but, she can play with words, and i can weave.
and i think we run and walk, we dance with speech.
some were written.

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