train travel
Kimberly Ann Southwick

the key is knowing the tracks cold,
site reading their ties, tempo perfect.

the squeal of thunder is your lightning hope.
your morning impressment after night of carpet,

floored by sleep's imprecision, oh only
when you need her most. at home,

the bookcase waits, imperfect inhalation. the key
to arrival is timing the breath between each ballast

knowing, over the thunder, when to expect,
not what.

1996 © 2010