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abraxas press

BACK SUN

1

Old man’s pipe ashes,

extinct grey heaps in cracked bowl.

Stale smell.  No complaint.

2

To clean greasy tiles:

don’t throw your money at them.

use vinegar, see?

3

Cold head, liver spots,

old folks’ end-home.  Banana’s

black rain spots.  Soft, sweet.

4

Sun seeps between boards

nailed over cabin window.

Stored canvases rot.

5

Sun on breathing sea.

Sand castles, concentration—

deep holiday thought.

6

Tantrums, gratitude,

then time out in street or yard.

To bed, homework done.

7

Visitors, washed grapes,

thin identity bracelet,

new hospital child.

Alan Marshfield

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