After Cy Twombly’s Untitled 1985
Cy Twombly Gallery, Houston
Head full of fishes.
Someone says complicate the blue.
I do. I do. I do.
Ceremony at the electric zoo, it’s all romance
and small umbrellas. Holding
hands by the pond. Understand this: the child with butterfly
wings wandered off alone. The sky holds
up a sign that says Save Me.
I haven’t seen my
face in years. Once, I read How to be Tender
from cover to cover. It made me feel
like meat with eyes, sizeable fists. Hey, I’m a well
-trained vertebrate. Today the fishes say you first. Around the edge,
they flicker with a sick, green gleam.
Famous striptease, I’m in love! Here’s
a promise that will get you going: there’s a tiny place for you, if you can
find it. The door’s got a broken clasp.
Something will get out. Something will get in.