If you saw an x-ray of my heart,
I wonder where you'd even start.

Your hand in mine,
Like a small curiosity
That keeps me alive,
That makes me happy.

On Monday there is rain,
A mother I wanted to know
Smokes Marlboros while
We wait for our children,
'The red hair is from her father,'
She says,
But doesn't mention her own gift
My daughter drags her coat,
Asks me when will I die
'When I'm done bending,' I say,
'When the final teaching
Is to look down
And thank the bitter root.'

Patience is a virtue
but it can also kiIl.
  Just look at the fruit
on my windowsiIl.