Countries I've Been To

[citrusrailcar]

She had camera lenses tattooed on her palms
And on her eyelids. So when she waves “hi”
She’s really taking a photograph in her
Mind. When she closes her eyes she
Doesn’t miss a thing.

I can’t cry
Even when I leave everything
Behind. When miniature tea lights hide
In my rearview mirror and blind
The rain. Gold keys on an accordion
At open mic. Wee beasties.
And bat boys.

Chains that break.

Newspapers
Yellowed with age
And sun.
Cold nights. Slumber
Hair shows.

Antique printing press. Typewriters.
Feather pillows. And
Wigs for the everyday.
Fall leaves taped to windows
Mirrors in odd shapes
To the sun.

Moccasins.
Carousel horses.
Brothers who name things.
Scattering butterflies in the wind.
To drumbeats and chanting.
Soul calling.
Bowl of Soul.In the morning
Drowning in the bathtub

Words I’ve heard before
Countries I’ve been to.