[body]

white gulls rest quiet

beneath their wings, & below them

i am dancing to alt-rock

in suspense on the boardwalk.

so it has not been easier here,

although it is warmer & i am wearing

nothing but a shift dress

& the smell of salt.

did it hurt to dream of you

as you were, body in elmwood — ?

& they had the lid down

on the piano.

even by the sea,

i feel surrounded by death,

lilies that have not bloomed in years,

though the waves beat on,

a restless, unceasing rhythm,

the heartbeat of the aching world.