HIDING PLACES
i
empty a forest
and replace with
memories what has
left and
you remain, unchanged,
wandering paths
and dry river beds.
i see you, at the
same time a past
at the same time
a future,
coexisting.
the element of change
not altered:
still green
still blue
still gray
still life-
you a catalyst
speeding the season,
breaking the frost
in front of you
and freezing whatever's
behind,
all at once a sun and
a storm
all at once the ice and
the water
all at once fondness and
disdain
all at once everything
while i watch
from a squirrel hole
you out shine and
expose.
i watch you
make small all
hidden thoughts
i kept away to
surprise you.
and now you have
them anyway.
---Jerry Allen Bush