yellow discus
                                        break the sky

in porcelain wash

                                              the
      gle­am union tethers
                of cleft verandahs
                         pavement and weeds


  in slow dawn

                                   follow

         into houses
                               into houses


sit

                        wait and ease

             coffee mugs and soda stream

       an old sofa tear
          left in half rupture

the humbling comfort
     of a freely shared meal

aside

                            make small talk with the locals
                         before the next
                                                    mortar shells


till
       pack at first light

                       amiable waves
          side-long goodbyes


get up
                  fall down
                                        march on


listening in
     the children songs
        of cakewalk structures


                  fall down


live from a backpack
   foam mattress and gas light
       soft monoxide dreams


                                        march on


don't get left behind
             from standing too long
                         squinting in confusion

among

                 city streets
                    phantom bodies
          lost in half rapture


get up

           changeling soldier
       of changing skies

                                        march on


             live in a backpack
     canvas and tent pegs





the blanketing rain
         is always a comfort
  'cept when you're in it