Gogyohka 12.02.09

The bare botanic garden
lets me see the reflecting pool
Seems so much closer--
an oncoming winter
promises intimacy

Something she likes
standing before the emptied pool
with an island
of dead cat-o-nine tails
Something the scarfed old woman likes

Lost in a waterfall of faces
and wanting to be
Only one way to avoid
achieving yourself
Easy to hide shouting alone, too

Walking the streets
could get hit by a bus
for all I care
Facing strangers without fear
Filled with riches none can rob

the sweet reeking potpourri
of brown leaves
gathered by hand
stuffed into shopping bags, tied tight
just like my landlord wants