August of 89A cloudless, sunny, smoky skyThe smell of dust and burning pine,The sting of sweat is in my eyes.I taste my lips. They taste of brine.I push my weight onto the spadeThen toss the earth upon the flames.The trees still blazing up the slopeSend embers falling down like snow,And starting fires under foot.So we cut down every bush,Thus leaving only empty earth,Montana shale that cannot burn.I look for smoke beyond the roadThat leads back to my Grandpa's home.I see the sky is clear that wayAs I turn back with my spade.Then on my back I feel a breeze,And pause to breathe in sweet relief.Again, I lean upon my spade
PantoumPANTOUMRavens watch us walking slowYour hair blows across your eyesIntruders unwelcome in the snowWe could stay here all our livesYour hair blows across your eyesI reach to know you're nearWe could stay here all our livesAnd deny what I know I fearI reach to know you're nearYou beat me at the gameAnd deny what I know I fearAnd tell me there's no painYou beat me at the gameRavens watch us walking slowI tell you there's no painIntruders unwelcome in the snow.
Villainelle VILLAINELLE To save your pride your heart is stained Pick well the place to speak your mind The truth kills trust the lie maintained. To see the sun without the shade You take the risk that you'll be blind To save your pride your heart is stained While madness eats within your brain Faith betrayed by a world unkind The Truth Kills trust the lie maintained And dancing forward without refrain On a field you know has buried mines To save your pride your heart is stained. A secret's danger still remained For useful means the mean could find The truth k