& this is it
in the Gargoyle’s smile
like a treasured curse
in the way the clouds sink behind
the sun like you’re watching time reverse
This summer’s twist
is in the way it hurts
recalling details of those memories
that seem so small
but provide the furniture
for keeping faith, for seeking grace
for addressing the darker things in the picture
that no one can explain
it's in the pivot of the dancers
in the portrait that hangs in the museum
in the ever increasing distance
it's the stuff that still feels near
I will wear shades in damask
to ward off certainties and Death.