The skyline’s cosmic stenciling of shadow
ebbs the tide of my frantic consciousness.

A simple cure,
Like the glow of a cigarette
& its mysterious willowing smoke.
Or water’s reflection
Of a fragile tree limb dipping
Into the earth
To drink of her motherly breast.

I am removed from this cage my crashing heart beats against–
Its fury a red wet loud wail.

Cars still blundering,
Cities still gasping,
Mountains of rattling teeth & bones.
I am never completely alone.

Sarah Fouts
Resident of Columbus, Ohio