After Carlos Drummond De Andrade


Within everything, something prior.


Within the sizzle of nerve, a remnant

of remote pox, and at the heart

of malaise, the mosquito’s

pierce and draw. 


Within the swimmer’s breath,

the impulse of gills.


In the middle of the vacation,

fear of running out.


In the potential circumference

of a kick, the dog’s caution.


Within the loop of scarf, bruises.

Within safety, its counterpoint.


Within the forage,

the delusion of past fullness.


Within language, tongues,

and their longing.


Within the eye, a reservoir,

a dumpster.


Within surrender, the next rebellion.


Within the fig’s gluey heart,

a speck of dead wasp.


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