what to leave
an island paradise off course
a lemon or a willow branch battered by the wind
all tangible proof certain as the fabric spun by worms
slowly
leave this behind
forgiveness for the dead
who are growing repetitious
the untenable freedom of birds
a testament of thieves
—Susanne Dyckman
____
Previously published in the book equilibrium’s form, Shearsman Books, 2007.