-


He is home now,
her metallic
soldier–

and has brought with
him a few souvenirs
from "in country" ;

things like sand,
sun-bleached
boots

and a script he
submits to her
daily

she will be returning soon
with groceries wearing a
simple paper mask–

driving between stoplights
at each intersection, she
counts the remaining with
tightening fists

as red concentric circles
fade to black inside
his desert.

"On set for the
performance–
             
                        Places Please !"

an enemy now arrives
at the flank of the
forth curtain—

She is home now...




s jones
2021


.