-early east coast morning-

as to the outside and the inside

of still and running water;—

the movements inward and outbound;

finding stability in the back-step;

It’s what was expected

negotiating the crazy arithmetic.

let’s unfurl the sheets, turnkeys of the sensibilities.

let’s run the machinery.

the saltwater pulls toward itself

rushing from the heels of our feet;

It finds the sand-clenched toes; spits-up

at the ankles and licks the kneecaps

in its eagerness to return to us.

as to the river, it will run tomorrow

flexing its muscle;

choosing a mood for its face.

let's splash the night-skies across our dry eyes,
leaving tidbits of planets behind
for the astrologist to play with.

as to standing water on the inside and the outside,

it continues its relentless anticipation.

as to the west coast; it sleeps while awaiting its turn
to take a stab at it all.