Origin

In the Beginning

there was planet
and so much
light. I wanted

to go home. Because I
remembered home.
Because I

remembered home smoke
above its roof like large
sails, I wanted

to sing endearment. I wanted
to want. Of course
I wanted

desire to be with me
now. I remember
in a bed, I did not

want him. I did not
desire him
in a bed

hushed by fog. I remember
a field too
long

as the stem of a pear
chosen in Upstate New York.

I knew him
dear as I knew
the cat

who slept on my windowsill
like a clay figurine. I wanted
to go home—

where I am—where I am—
from—where I am—
sleeping the night like a highway.

Mother

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