For C.D. Wright

1.

If I was looking at you for the first time again

I would want there to be snow—

in a city absent of birds.

2.

The fiery fields. The fields on fire.

3.

The pastel. The bird. The birthday cake

to celebrate no one in particular.

4.

I would play back the flame

making everything bow in the

house until the entire house burned down.

5.

I believe death has no idea

what to do with children’s toys.

6.

Somewhere there’s a story where everyone

gets what they want.

7.

When my wife is weeping on the bed,

I water all the plants in the house.

8.

I wanted someone to kiss me hard,

to smash my teeth against another’s teeth.

9.

I refuse.

10.

The trees the only witness to their swaying.