8.23.99, midnite

          turtle is slow
behind but goes the
                    distance
          is attached to earth
but welcomes guests
                    color           tone of day
mud feet for walking
          or wetness                    is
                    you to me          where
the rhythm stopped at
the end of the world or
          sing I can't remember
the difference in caves now
          hollow ears means room
                    for prayer
turtle blessing is round
                    island          as
water takes sand   builds
          and deconstructs stands          wait
it has this thought:
                    (slowly)
that you will come
around my friend as this
love was meant to be
          strong because of it
                    green blue in day
deep contour of night
          and turtle knows the
heavens stars by sight                    through
                    tears tread

I say tear for
                    contemplation
there's no separation
          mind present
          sad-love          hinge
us with           old kisses

This is truth            furthest
          from the center
reaches           trees              cradles
          belly

                    If I can crawl
                    I will as earth
                      to me   cool
                        tends  flesh
                              

noon

          seated          or maybe
the cat-bird situation
caught:
          feathers in mouth

No matter what I say
          (no-win)
although gentler with myself
          awake