(no subject)

[jzzldbrrzl]

Distance

Is measured
only after shift,
for only the stodgiest neurotic
sets out to learn what is known.

Then again, who's to vouch
for our maps, especially the ones
with sea monsters firmly snarling
between yellow wrinkles.

You fly over the Pacific
and see nothing but
fog and car chases.

Come to think of it, though,
there are plenty of
translucent deep sea anglers,
giant squids, and the like
nesting below.

Things can shift for different reasons.
Earthquakes, storms, brushfire, or waves,
but also and usually war.

Distance is more than just itself--
mountains, seas, or plains
all require different strategies
and gates especially, because
a gate without a lock is an
invitation.

I scrutinize my neighbors'
gates from my window
that I might discern whose
gate is closed and whose
is ajar.

But it's hardest to see whether
a lock clings to the bars or not
through the cloud kicked up
by traffic on my dusty street.