TINCTURE OF MALINDA FAYE

The Chinese umbrella
you held  .  a marriage
on the next block

Straw kites and pin spokes
the nature of fire
cracker mache'

Black cat so green with
Li Po characters
                              dancing

for the sun
            god you say

She bought (for a nickel)
a roll of caps

The blind druggist
with digital ardor
gave you the chart

         'detonation of many
          numbers is certain'

The claws of young animals
assume arboreal functions
in lieu of autumn
                               leaving

brittle shoulders
on your copper dress.